The Cycle of Fatherhood

“Like as a father pitieth”—
yes, some there are who do;
so God our Father cares about
His own their whole lives through.

This is the day of child abuse;
and even more, neglect.
So many men don’t seem to know
the value of respect.

But godly fathers fill their roles
and go at God’s command;
they seek the welfare of their own
and lend a helping hand.

It all comes back in future years,
when health and strength decline;
a son who knows a loving dad
will treat him mighty fine.

fpn / June 81

Picture: depositphotos.com #39196001, standard license

The Cycle of This Life-Span

In infancy, we cling unto
our father and our mother,
with total confidence that they
can shield from things that bother.
Along with that, we learn to trust
their judgment so completely;
what “dad says” could not be wrong;
we think (not yet discreetly).

As time goes by, we realize
that dad also is human—
not always right, sometimes quite wrong;
and we prefer our own plan.
The pendulum swings to and fro;
at times, “Dad’s simply stupid!”
What ever are things coming to?
‘Nuf cause to “flip our own lid!”

By middle twenties, we change some—
post high school, perhaps college,
we sense that “Dad has learned a lot!”
--impressed by his practical knowledge.
And it just seems, in retrospect,
at times we were mistaken;
now glad for dad’s advice and help,
as our sensibilities waken.

Then, as we carve our niche in life,
which really strains our metal,
we learn to give as well as take,
for less-than-hoped-for settle.
And in the prime of life, perchance
achieving some successes,
our aging dad may lean on us,
a stronger bond now blesses.

A grand encumbrance plays a part;
the new generation rises;
the cycle’s much the same as ours,
with good and bad surprises.
We, by this world of guile and graft,
may not be highly rated;
but hopefully, by kids and friends,
will have been appreciated!

fpn / August 98



Picture: depositphotos.com #49365873, standard license

Who Made Whom?

For the rest of the week, we will feature poems related to parenting. Join us through Father's Day for Pastor Nickel's perspective on the stages and challenges of fatherhood. 







When we were small, our parents dear
up in their arms would take us.
The general idea was that they
great noble souls would make us.

But now we learn, it works both ways
so nice, they don’t forsake us;
as we look back, it really seems,
it’s our own kids that make us.

There were those times when dad or mom
“over the coals would rake us,”
but now we know it pained them when
“to the woodshed” they would take us.

We might have thought we “knew it all;”
now know, our minds betrayed us
and humbly we must now admit,
it was our kids that made us!

fpn / undated



Picture: depositphotos.com #43252573, standard license