ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The little boy referred to in this poem is now a fine young man and today he passed his tough 4th year uni exams! Hooray!

Judge me not as having wasted any chances that I've had,
If a little boy says proudly to his fellows "That's my Dad!"

It was true years ago.. and is still true today. As a future grandparent, if my son or daughter asks me how to bring up a child, I might direct them to this Poem and say... well this is a good start.

I really hope brother and sister bush poets enjoy this poem, especially those who have experienced the joy of having wonderful children.


THAT'S MY DAD

I may find myself indebted to the bank up to my neck,
And observe, from scant attention, that my fencing is a wreck.
When, for want of any money, by my fellows I am strung
To the ladder of Dame Fortune on the very bottom rung.
Why pretend to be despondent! Why on earth should I be sad!
When a little boy addresses me respectfully as "Dad".

Drought and flood may do their darndest; you can always struggle through
With a son to help his father do the things that he must do.
Let the daily paper wither; let the sink and cistern leak
If you get the chance to go and search for tadpoles in the creek.
— Let the famous bask in glory for I know that I'll be glad,
If I have success in serving as a little fellow's Dad.

How can manliness and courage be imparted when instead
All one's precious time is wasted in the office or in bed!
There is time enough for sleeping when they ring the final bell
And they pen you for your journey up to heaven or to — well
If there's ever disagreement just bend his way just a tad,
Then he'll always sing the praises of the wisdom of his Dad.

If perchance your home is humble then I think you'll mostly find
There are treasure troves for children in the castles of the mind.
Nurture well imagination; limit not his visions yet.
Do not let him age too quickly — that will happen, do not fret!
Live and love and play together with your happy, healthy lad,
And you're bound to be successful as the little fellow's Dad.

Now a boy must have his freedom; teach him what is right and wrong.
Take his hand and guide him kindly and you'll always get along.
Share with him his pain and glory; chide him gently (if you must)
For the love 'twixt son and father is a love that's built on trust.
— If the water-tank needs mending or the guttering is bad,
Then a boy must be forgiven when he's rabbiting with Dad!

Let his tears of childhood fall upon your shoulder, not the floor.
Praise accomplishment and tell him, "Be Australian to the core!"
— Any prizes, wealth and honours that perhaps I might have won,
Are but pointless dross and tinsel when it's really said and done.
— Judge me not as having wasted any chances that I've had
If a little boy says proudly to his fellows, "That's my Dad!"

Gary Harding

Ha, I put bricks on their heads but the little buggas still grew ...

Well done Gary, great sentiments and a good construct ...
(AND Congratulations)

G/day Gary,
Great poem mate and a very enjoyable read.

It much the same with daughters - Bless them.

Terry

Wonderful poem Gary and any boy who has a dad that thinks that way is on a winner. Unfortunately some don't. Enjoyed the read.
Wazza

very good and true Gary as I look back at my children, grand children and great grand kds


bill Williams

Thank you everyone for your encouraging comments.

It is a starting point I suppose... theory... good precepts...but looking back, why is it there is a tendency to recall all the times when one fell short with sons and daughters ... like going crook over little things, maybe because we had a hard day at work? I dunno... surely the good things must have far outweighed the parental shortcomings?

Gee, I was a far from perfect Dad, despite the didactic poem.

I mean you do not have to be a Bushman to be a bush poet. So I suppose one does not have to be a perfect Dad to write about how to be one.

But if it inspires even a little bit, hits a chord, adds perspective ... and it is taken in the modest spirit in which it was written, then it is a worthwhile piece I think... cheers Gary

That's a lovely poem Gary...and nicely constructed too.

(When I lost my John recently, my sister (who had also lost her hubby) gave me some splendid advice. She said ''No recriminations.'' That was a huge help to me when the ''what ifs'' and ''if onlys'' crept into my brain...and that allowed me to celebrate the best things.) I'm sure you were a normal, loving Dad. Congratulations to your boy on his graduation.

Cheeers
Glenny P

The joy of parent hood. Nice poem Gary,

Heather

...surpassed only by grandparenthood! well done Gary.