But a Father (an ode to Fatherhood)

“Fatherhood” (1971): Pablo Picasso, oil on canvas (source: pablopicasso.org)

I am, but a father

Or as a father would be.

Rapt with emotion

Hidden behind the sanity

Harbour some doubt

Behind all the vanity

Know no fear

But do fret a bit

Know not all

Yet play to be “it”

But one of these days

I’ll become what you see-

I am, but a father

Or as a father would be.

I forget each day

About the daughters and sons

I’m also best known

For silly jokes and puns

I’m focused on problems

Just not ones I’d solve

My closet is messed up

Boy… can’t seem to evolve!

But one day… for sure-

I’ll live “perfectly”!

I am, but a father

Or as a father would be.

I become the man

When valour’s what it needs

And the kindest woman

When it’s time for good deeds

Have no way with words

Or expressing what I’m close to

I feel just as, however

And care… yes, I do!

But one day, not long now

I’d express all that’s key-

I am, but a father

Or as a father would be.

Life may not be forever

But my heart is bigger than time

In it live, my daughters and sons

And an eternal love of mine

I carry that love in all I seek

Notwit’ my amnesiac mind

That love will live beyond the reach

Any with words may find

And one day, when the time’s right

All my dreams’ll run free!

I am, but a father

Or as a father would be.

(Written and composed by Rishabh Singh on Fathers Day, Sunday 4th September 2022).