A Father's Gifts

A tribute to my dad and all the wonderful things he taught me

Photo by Arif Rasheed on Unsplash

She was so small
Didn’t seem to count
But he always saw her

Brothers ran wild
Mom watching fondly
His gaze on his daughter

He sailed the seas
Away more than not
Still their connection grew

When he came back
Her eyes would light in
Wonder, what might they do

Macrame was
Always a safe bet
She’d crouch near with her own

Maybe this time
A sailboat they’d build
Together, in the zone

Music always
Drifted around them
Accompanied their day

While he saw her
As the child she was
He knew she’d much to say

He’d encourage
Her to explore all
To not limit herself

To fan her spark
Her passions anew
To not sit on a shelf

As an adult
He pushed her to stand
Although life pushed her down

Straightened her spine
More than a few times
Her feet on solid ground

He’d make her laugh
More than a little
With his silly Dad jokes

Reminded her
Of much gentler times
With all his crazy quotes

Gentle spirit
Velvet over steel
The strongest man she knew

Though he’s gone, he
Watches over her
His light still guides her through

Author's Note:
A tribute to the man who shaped me, who still straightens my spine. I'll always be grateful for the time we had and all the beautiful gifts he bestowed.

For lighter notes about my dad and his sense of humor, head over to Dather’s Fay and Poetry by Dad. — Liora
voice through fire | www.liorawrites.com

This space is free to read, but support is greatly appreciated!

These pieces are born from the same fires I’m still walking through, grief that remakes you, losses you carry like phantom limbs, and the stubborn refusal to go under even when life leaves cracks in your bones.

If my work here speaks to you and you’d like to support it:
– Buy me a coffee – a small boost for the human behind the words.
– Feed the kitties – cover a day’s meals for the colony of feral and free-roamers I care for, and you’ll get my Whiskers in the Dark mini-zine as a thank-you.

Every like, comment, referral, and recommendation helps my work get seen. I appreciate honest engagement and connection. If something here moved you, share it.

To show my appreciation, I offer rewards for referrals. See the leaderboard for details.

From ash to ember, again. Subscribe free and stay close.

Lost in the fire? Head to the Welcome Page