He Who Shaped Me

A Father's Day Poem

My dad and my mom as a young married couple.

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Fathers exert a profound influence, either through their presence or their absence. They possess the power to shape who a child becomes as an adult. I am fortunate to have a father who has been a friend and a guide for moments in life when I’ve needed his loving influence.

With this being Father’s Day, I wanted to share a poem about fathers with you all. I wrote the original draft 22 years ago and the thoughts and themes in these verses still resonate with me many years after I originally composed these words.

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As a wide-eyed young child
He bounced me on his knee. 
Every step I took forward
He walked right beside me. 

He quietly illuminated my path 
Hour to hour and day to day.
Teaching me through example.
Showing me a better way.

His lessons imprinted upon my soul.
From me, he expected only the best.
Courage, honesty, dedication, and love.
Qualities separating me from the rest. 

Joy threads through my memories
Of countless hours spent together.
Activities, jokes, and conversations.
Days I wished would last forever. 

His clear eyes reflected a vision 
Focused on the potential within me.
His thoughts and words encouraged 
becoming who I was meant to be. 

When despair fought to smother me
rising from feelings torn apart.
His words healed my wounded soul, 
repaired my shattered heart. 

We celebrated happy moments too.
Every treasured goal I achieved 
Etched a bright smile on his lips. 
His loving approval, I received. 

I will never forget the day when we parted.
Leaving me to face the world on my own. 
My arms clung to him in a final embrace.
Knowing that soon I would be left alone. 

Even as time marches forward unimpeded.
His influence has not dimmed with the past.
I cross off days on my mental calendar.
Before my father and I will reunite at last. 

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