Father's Day

Sunday is celebrated as Father's Day in the US. Leaving alone the commercial aspects of the day, it is nice to see fathers and grand-fathers being honoured on this day. While the mother assumes a primary role in bringing up the child, the father too has no less an important role in the child's life. Of course, back in those days when I was young, the father was a distant figure, difficult to approach and much revered and feared too. But the roles have changed during the last fifty years. Nowadays, the father is a friendly figure, easier to approach and talk to. I thought I was and, still, am a good father I am posting this a day earlier so as to remind people to honour their father or a father figure by calling, by spending time with them. They don't care much for gifts, but value the affection and love as well as a conversation. Here is a poem that I wrote long ago on an occasion like this. Enjoy!

Fatherhood is son, fatherhood is daughter;
Fatherhood is fun, fatherhood is laughter;
Fatherhood is questions, fatherhood is answers;
Fatherhood is prayers, fatherhood is gratitude;

Fatherhood is late-nights, fatherhood is early-mornings;
Fatherhood is indoors, fatherhood is outdoors;
Fatherhood is worry, fatherhood is hurry;
Fatherhood is tears, fatherhood is fears;

Fatherhood is teaching, fatherhood is learning;
Fatherhood is teasing, fatherhood is pleasing;
Fatherhood is guiding, fatherhood is goading;
Fatherhood is singing, fatherhood is grounding;

Fatherhood is waiting, fatherhood is wishing;
Fatherhood is pictures, fatherhood is memories;
Fatherhood is discipline, fatherhood is punishment;
Fatherhood is freedom, fatherhood is reward;

Fatherhood is hopes, fatherhood is dreams;
Fatherhood is joy, fatherhood is sorrow;
Fatherhood is love, fatherhood is longing;
Fatherhood is patience, fatherhood is impatience;

Fatherhood is fulfillment; fatherhood is contentment;
Fatherhood is family, fatherhood is destiny;
Fatherhood is yesterday, fatherhood is to-day;
Fatherhood is tomorrow, fatherhood is forever.

Regards! - mOhana