Poem by Moya Boardman
Overwhelming condemnation
Immobilising shame
Mistakes replayed with ridicule
“Your attempts are pathetic and lame”
My father does not talk like that
His voice is full of love
Acceptance and encouragement
The truth that is above
“You were so bad it was painful
They were all laughing at you
No point in doing anything more
Why bother? You haven’t a clue?”
My father does not talk like that
His aim is to take me higher
His words bring hope and comfort
They are not the words of a liar
Affirmation and correction
Coming from a loving heart
Empower and bring freedom
Courage to follow my path
Earthly fathers can speak words of pain
So it’s hard to start to hear
To tell where the words are coming from
And what is the root of fear
“I am so proud that you stepped out
We will walk through all together
A future and a hope is what I have for you”
That talk is from my father.
Overwhelming condemnation
Immobilising shame
Mistakes replayed with ridicule
“Your attempts are pathetic and lame”
My father does not talk like that
His voice is full of love
Acceptance and encouragement
The truth that is above
“You were so bad it was painful
They were all laughing at you
No point in doing anything more
Why bother? You haven’t a clue?”
My father does not talk like that
His aim is to take me higher
His words bring hope and comfort
They are not the words of a liar
Affirmation and correction
Coming from a loving heart
Empower and bring freedom
Courage to follow my path
Earthly fathers can speak words of pain
So it’s hard to start to hear
To tell where the words are coming from
And what is the root of fear
“I am so proud that you stepped out
We will walk through all together
A future and a hope is what I have for you”
That talk is from my father.