ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

This is for Dads with daughters and daughters who have fond memories of their dad
(might be a song in this somewhere Manfred)

ONCE WE WERE HEROES

You watched a little girl there who was playing games with dad
and memories awaken of the best years that you’ve had.
Again you hear your daughter urging you to come and play,
then comes that cheeky smile of hers that melts your heart away.
And you had near forgotten just how precious those times were,
back in those days when you had been a hero then to her.

You’d gladly swap a few years of the dreary days ahead,
to once more shape life’s pathway for your little girl to tread.
Perhaps you’d do things better though you couldn’t love her more,
for you had given all you had back in those days of yore.
It’s only when it’s over and you’re getting old and grey,
you realize that your best years, have now drifted far away.

For most that time you struggled just to try and make ends meet,
no time for playing games then there were deadlines you must beat.
And though you’d tried your very best to be a good dad then,
some doubts will always linger in the hearts of most us men.
But memories are precious and they set your heart awhirl,
as you recall that impish smile of daddy’s little girl.

You worked away from home back then more often than dads should;
perhaps you could have changed things, if you’d only understood.
It’s easy to be wise now as you look back to the past,
when learning how to be a dad - and had to learn it fast.
And now you wish you’d listened when you’d had the chance before,
that special time’s so fleeting - then it’s gone forevermore.

Again you see her smiling face so full of trust in you,
your heart starts beating faster as you sense her love shine through.
You hear her happy laughter ringing faintly through the years;
your heart is full of pride now and your eyes are moist with tears.
These days you get emotional; a plight that comes with age,
but you can’t hide the love you feel and write off on this page

The years have sped by quickly and there’s no way back you know,
you only get one chance to star in each young ladies show.
And now you’re left with memories you treasure to this day,
about the time your little girl would call you out to play.
Your daughters now a woman whom you always will adore,
but wouldn’t it be great, to be her hero just once more.

© T.E. Piggott

Beautiful Terry. The love shines through and I'm absolutely sure you are still a hero.

Heather

Agree with Heather Terry on all counts - little girls always think and older girls always know that their Dads are heros

Beautiful write Mate - thank you for sharing

Cheers

Maureen

We can but wish Terry.

Got something stuck in my eye I think.


Thanks mate.


Bob

Goodonya Terry. It's along way back to the west thinking about those things.

Thanks Heather & Maureen.
Little boys are just as important but as the poem says the words came to me after watching a little girl at a caravan park playing with her dad.
I intend trying to write a poem about the boys one day - they're just as precious.

G/day Bob,
I know what you mean mate, we all try in our own ways to do the best that we can.

Hi Neville,
I was thinking of several possible poems on the way home but seem to have forgotten them all, I'm putting it down to brain damage brought on by too many nips of Scotch with Manfred at Tamworth.

It was good to catch up with you again and have a bit of a chat once more.

Cheers Terry

Yes fantastic sentiments Terry (that's the poem, mate - not Manfred and the Scotch)

Watching my four girls grow before my eyes - I'm always told to enjoy them while they are young (and controllable I guess).

Enjoyed your poem.

Cheers, Marty

At least they cannot make you pull your hair out Marty,

i just love he fact that my daughter now has three of her own and when she starts to complain I remind her of when she was in her teens.





Bob

Aaah, Bob, you haven't seen the back of Marty's head!

Enjoy their innocence Marty and their childish joy.

Heather

Beautiful Terry-a very touching read. Doesn't matter how old we get Terry, those special moments with our Dads will always be there. I was only thinking today about a special moment with my Dad and I wasn't so small. On my wedding day, being busy as brides are, I hadn't found time to eat, then just as we were about to head to the church, Dad presented me with a tomato sandwich and a cup of tea. I remember saying we didn't have time and his reply "he'll have you for the rest of your life, surely he wont mind sparing just a few minutes for a proud Dad to have one last cuppa before he whisks you away". How could I say no to that. Now every time I make a tomato sandwich I think of him and I can tell you-they never taste as good.

Cheers
Sue