My father My father fathered me Yet we did not go fishing together My father did not father me I lived on another continent I was fathered in another world My father wanted to father a better world But was fathered in prison starting at age fourteen My father did not father me But when I came he saw I looked like him And drank my tea like him My father fathered me Yet he did not read me stories to put me to sleep His stories never put anyone to sleep My father did not father me He let my mother do it all But gave credit where credit was due My father fathered me But I only got a third of his brain A quarter of his charisma One tenth of his bravery A quarter of his humour A quarter of his compassion A half of his sense of justice Very little of his dignity Much of his love for people All of which was plenty To be a carpenter and a decent person My father did not father me But all who knew him Spoke of decency Spoke of fighting for justice For human justice and fairness
Thank you for sharing, Peter! Great photograph! I am happy to hear that you had more of a relationship to your Father than I imagined. I am sure that many young people that have crossed your life professionally look up to you as a guiding figure. Happy Father's Day!
Very good Peter. The most poignant things never try to be, something about the large amount of underlying loss throughout this. thanks
Thank you for sharing, Peter! Great photograph! I am happy to hear that you had more of a relationship to your Father than I imagined. I am sure that many young people that have crossed your life professionally look up to you as a guiding figure. Happy Father's Day!
Fascinating! Thanks for sharing some of your family history, Peter. Your Dad sounds like he was pretty incredible.
Thank you Diana.
A legend.
What a dramatic life. I think you owe a book to your kids and grandkids….and to the memory of your parents.