A Tribute to Dads

It’s Father's Day in Australia this weekend. There might be many of you that can’t get to see or connect with them because of your isolation/lockdown situation. Some may have passed since last Father's Day. I lost my father when I was 10 years old. I wrote this some time after to try and express how much I missed him…and still do.

Dad, I need some advice

Is it a Ford or a Rover I can’t tell

The other kids, they know very well

Which classes to take?

Should I bake a cake?

Dad, I need some advice

When to come home 11 or 10?

It’s my choice since I don’t know when

Is she good enough?

Girlfriends and all that stuff

Dad, I need some advice

Mum’s at the edge and she took the step

How do I bring her back help, help, help

Never a day goes by without a tear in my eye

Dad, I need some advice

The years have passed slow or it seems so

Questions unanswered, shadowed sunbeams

Just to talk even to silently walk

Dad…

Sometimes I feel your guiding hand

Making me listen to a different band

Are you sure? Intentions are pure

Dad, I need some advice

Instead of asking I’m now being asked

Time for my soul to be unmasked

She’s looking at you through me thinking what will I be?

Asking “Daddy, I need some advice

It’s time to go, time to depart

Except, that is, for my burning heart

Don’t mind if I do sit down with you

Dad, I‘ll heed your advice

To all the types of Dad out there - past, present and future – I salute you.