A poem

*A poem I wrote for my Dad's 70th birthday, because I was traveling for work and couldn't be there in person. 12/13/2024

Wholly Unwaivering

So much you gave

Your time. Your strength.
Yourself.
Dutifully. Wholly.
Unwaivering.

Depth
And safety,
Found
In your love,
Your support.

Deep pools of
Acceptance,
And space
To be.
To be myself.

You'd say,
"It's not what's wrong with you.
It's what's right with you."
Oh dad,
You're just saying that.

And again,
"It's not what's wrong with you.
It's what's right with you."
Oh dad, I know, I know;
you always say that.

And again,
"It's not what's wrong with you.
It's what's right with you."
Oh dad, I wish it were;
But I just don't know.

And again,
"It's not what's wrong with you.
It's what's right with you."
And again. And again.
And again.

And one day,
I believed you.
I saw it. Somehow
You'd snuck it in and planted,
Deep in my soul

Acceptance,
And love.
Assurance,
And peace.
Determination,

To be.
To trust.
To learn.
To fail.
To try again.

It's been a long road.
A long,
Long road.
And yet,
just a blink.

You,
Your road,
Paved a way
For us
To be, us.

To love, and give;
To believe in more.
To learn and examine.
To fight for truth.
To live, wholly, unwaivering.


----
Dad's Poem, Alternative Edition
A door's not a door
When it's ajar