Barbara Writes

Dec 29, 2008 ⭐ View statistics (Premium feature)

The Man That Was His dad

Five years old
Looking down the road
For the man that was his dad

Once in a while
He came around
The man that was his dad

The man he remembered
With hopes that glimmered
Once again left him looking

Those were the days
His mama carried the blame
For the man that was his dad

Now a man with a goal
Eighteen years old
He looked for the man that was his dad

Now twenty-two
He knows the truth
His mama carried the blame
For the man that was his dad

— Barbara Writes, Dec 29, 2008

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: United States, USA

Favorite Poets: Billy Collins, Shakespeare, , Emily Dickinson, , , Whitman, Jess Tapper

Critiques

Ink Dragon

17 years 5 months ago

Barbara,

this one feels like a blow to my guts. Being a single mom myself, I always take the blame when their dad fails to show up, which happens frequently. True is the word for this poem! Regards, ID

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

ID

I know what you mean. I decided to let that boy of mine think as he choose. Then when he turn eighteen I let him deal with getting his dad to visit him. ooh eye opener mom was not keeping dad away after all. He even find out how hard it was to get his dad to cooperate and realize step mommy was not a better mommy than me . Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Rett

17 years 5 months ago

I went through this

with my ex-wife and my oldest boy.. She lived exactly 8 miles from us, but could never find time to see our son.7 years went by with 1 visit. I never said anything against her. When he grew up he confronted me with "Dad, why didn't you tell me?" after he had found out through other sources. All I could say was "She was your mother. Would you have believed me?" He hugged my neck and said "No, I guess I wouldn't have." It all worked out in the end. 5/5 because this is so absolutely true. Respectfully, Rett: "I didn't do it! I'm innocent! Uh, what was the question again mama?" Rett

Ink Dragon

17 years 5 months ago

Rett,

I am really impressed that you brought up your son from your first marriage, there aren´t many fathers out there who do it. Most of the times they will leave the children with the mothers without even looking back, as you can see from my comment and Barbara´s. In awe, Ink

Rett

17 years 5 months ago

That is the truth Ink

I have saw that time and time again. I wanted my son to be a part of my family and not go through all the things I went through. I could not in love leave him with a drunk who at 3 years old either took him to beer joints or left him in the car while she was there or topper of all, leave him home alone while she went out drinking. Even her sisters were on my side. Family is very important to me as you can tell. Respectfully, Rett: "I didn't do it! I'm innocent! Uh, what was the question again mama?" Rett

Ink Dragon

17 years 5 months ago

Rett,

Your son is really lucky to have you! Respectfully, Ink

Linda Moses

17 years 5 months ago

Barbara

A poem I can absolutely relate to. It took my oldest son 24 years to say he was sorry for blaming it all on me. I had 4 kids that were left by their father.

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Linda

I am glad you and your son came together on that. Mine is 22 two and still hasn't. I guess he is still in awe. I don't worry about it though. Glad you could relate and thanks for sharing your comment. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Linda Moses

17 years 5 months ago

Barbara

I meant to say I noticed you did not start the word "dad" with a capitol letter in the title of you poem, and I would not have either. He did not earn it.

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Linda

Oh! that was a oversight on my part. I think I will leave it that way since that is so true. He certainly has not earn it Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Rett

17 years 5 months ago

I second Linda

He didn't earn Dad. Respectfully, Rett: "It’s impossible to smile on the outside without feeling better on the inside." Purplemoondoll

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Rett

I agree with Linda your son is lucky you have a dad like you. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

weirdelf

17 years 5 months ago

I cannot comment on the poetry,

it is as elegantly truthful and concise as I have to expect. Just my own little insight. Children blame themselves for anthing bad or wrong in their lives. Teenagers blame everyone else, especially a handy parent. I grieve for the pain I caused my mother and try to make amends. Miraculously she had already forgiven me! cheers, Jess

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Jess

I have forgiven my son even before the words came from his mouth because as you say children blame themselves. Teens are brutal at least teen daugh is. She is forgiven also though I choose not to talk to her at the present. No need to grieve. A Mother's heart is healed knowing the child finally realizes and made the effort to make amends. Mine heart waits for the anointing oil of my son to say I am sorry if not I still love and forgive him anyway. Respectfully Yours, Barbara

Ink Dragon

17 years 5 months ago

Oh Barbara,

a mother´s heart speaking of a mother´s unconditional love. This comment moves me to tears, Ink

Ink Dragon

17 years 5 months ago

Jess,

this holds a lot of comfort to me... Yours, Ink

Janice Pearce

17 years 5 months ago

The Man

Fantastic Barbara! _____________________________ To write a touching poem, you must gently stir the soul, if it brings forth tears or smiles, then the story was beautifully told. ________Janice Pearce_________

Barbara Writes

17 years 5 months ago

Janice

Thanks appreciate you reading and commenting. Glad you like it. Respectfully Yours, Barbara