June 21, 2015

Only A Dad

This poem was originally written by Edgar Guest. Edgar Guest began his illustrious career in 1895 at the age of fourteen when his work first appeared the the Detroit Free Press. His column was syndicated in over 300 newspapers, and he became known as "The Poet of the People." I share the poem today in honor of Wayne Sr., George Jr., Walter and Charles (may he rest in peace) ... with a special sentiment for Kyra, Iyisa, Javoyne and Shenita.

Only A Dad
by Edgar Guest

Only a dad with a tired face,
Coming home from the daily race,
Bringing little of gold or fame
To show how well he has played the game;
But glad in his heart that his own rejoice
To see him come and to hear his voice.

Only a dad with a brood of four,
One of ten million men or more
Plodding along in the daily strife,
Bearing the whips and the scorns of life,
With never a whimper of pain or hate,
For the sake of those who at home await.

Only a dad, neither rich nor proud,
Merely one of the surging crowd,
Toiling, striving from day to day,
Facing whatever may come his way,
Silent whenever the harsh condemn,
And bearing it all for the love of them.

Only a dad but he gives his all,
To smooth the way for his children small,
Doing with courage stern and grim
The deeds that his father did for him.
This is the line that for him I pen:
Only a dad, but the best of men.

From the book "A Heap o' Livin'" ©1916

20 comments:

Simon said...

Nice poem. Hope you have a great Father's day.

Unknown said...

NeoAuteur - Thank you for the well wishes. The day was very enjoyable. Spent it with my two children lounging by the swimming pool on a very hot day here in Cincinnati, OH!

peace, Villager

Believer said...

My husband's character is woven in and throughout this poem. He's a hard worker and a good provider. Rarely does he complain and all for the sake of his family. Being a stay-at-home mom with my toddler he's made many a sacrifice. Thanks for the reminder just how blessed I am.

Glad to know you enjoyed your special day!

SagaciousHillbilly said...

Somebody said that it couldn't be done
But he with a chuckle replied
Maybe it couldn't
but he would be one
who wouldn't say so till he tried
So he buckled right in
with a trace of a grin
if he worried he hid it
as he tackled the thing
that couldn't be done
and he did it.

Edagar A. Guest

(I learned it over 45 yrs ago in 5th grade)

Unknown said...

Sagacious - Is it your observation that students learned more poems back in the day than they do now? I recall my Dad and his contemporaries regularly quoting poems that they learned "back in the 5th grade". Was that part of the schoolin' back in the day?

maryt/theteach said...

Really nice, Wayne!

That Girl Boo said...

Thanks Villager,
Very Classy, you just earned our hero and provider one more Sunday football game, can you feel his high five

Shelia said...

I have been without my dad now for 17 years and he was on my mind all day today. I smiled when I saw your post. There is always something kind to warm my heart when I'm missing my dad, who is one of the many that was described in this poem - Thanks.

Unknown said...

Shelia - I'm glad that you had a smile. Today was a day of smiles at our household as more of the family from around the nation gathered at my parent's house. I listened to stories from my elders and we all told stories about my Dad from his childhood thru his last day. Shelia, I smiled too...

Unknown said...

Teach & Boo - Asante sana!

Lori said...

Nice poem. Lot of people thinking and posting about fathers, of late. Must be something about Novemember (smile). My last post (Sunday, Nov. 3) was about Dads (specifically African American Fathers) as well.

JD said...

Villager, you have carried the torch very well and Wayne SR lives on through your life's journey. I am ready to share your story on business,readers will enjoy learning, a little bio, your family influence, your IRS career and your new business, I still remember the great advice your grand father provided you.Keep hope alive

Muze said...

awww. i really like this.

Unknown said...

Muze - Asante sana!

Unknown said...

Lori - We are often reminded of the dearth of African American fathers in our community. It is nice to acknowledge the power and the importance of fathers whenever the opportunity presents itself. I'm glad that I was able to do so with this post.

James - Asante sana for your kind words.

Anonymous said...

Aw that is one cute poem. I think I will print this out and it in a birthday card and give it to my father. His birthday is coming next week.

Unknown said...

Dish - Happy birthday to your pops!

PYNTK said...

Of course, I couldn't help thinking of my own father when I read your post. It's wonderful that he left such a legacy that you would share this beautiful poem with us.

Unknown said...

Jacqueline - It will be the 1-year anniversary of my Dad's homegoing this Friday. I miss him.

I'm glad that this post/blog provided you with an opportunity to think a good thought about your Dad.

Everyday should be Father's Day.

Big Mama said...

Such special memories, Omo...
Iya