POEMS

• Crown Him Father

A commanding voice

A reassuring smile

An arm that's strong

Holding secure his child:

Colour him father

Possessing plate-packed appetite

He bulges from belly - busting bite

He works, he toils, sweat - soaked skin

Card is a game he plays to win:

Consider him father

He knows the meaning of my name

Hugs me close without a shame

Teaches me to cherish work

His earth - stained palms, rich from dirt:

Cherish him father

Man of spiritual integrity

Genuine his godly dignity

Compassionate lover of mankind

Greater man you'll never find:

Champion him father

A reservoir of rhyme and reason

This, the man for all season;

He, the toast of conversation

Kinsman example to his nation:

Celebrate him true father

Which people have found a man like this?

Carrying all children, for they are his.

All his children shout out loud,

'You have raised us above the crowd,'

Crown you, Royal Father.

- Liston Aiken

• Daddy, Daddy

Daddy, daddy

Wherever you are

I hope somehow you know

How often I think of you and that I miss you so

Mother is great

I need her and I am so glad she is here

But daddy, please note that I need you too

And need to know you care,

And at this time of year when I see other fathers around

I really wish I knew - where my father could be found

And so I close my eyes and think that you are somewhere

well and fine

And praying, dear Lord - bless those children of mine.

Help me to find my way back to them

That they will somehow know that I really love them and miss them so

But daddy, please forgive me

If often my hope sways

For I am growing up real quick and I need my father today!

- Mandege