Father's burden.

My father taught me to appreciate laughter and woman.

Father's burden

 


        (My father  was a Ojibwa/Mexican man in 1950 USA. He never allowed anyone to look down at him.)

Father didn't drive no Cadillac.
He drove a old Pontiac.

He never complains.
He worked his 50 hours a week.
Paid his bills and drank his beer.

He got loud with his friends.
He likes the rum.

When the rum was plenty.
I heard him wish for things to be different.

He wanted his children to have all the good things.
All children had.

He told me to get  a education so no-one will look down at you.

Father never had a lot.
He has learn to accept little.
 
I remember one Winter evening.
When he has too much rum.

He packed up the car.
He wanted to escape  to California. 

We would drive a few miles and he would fall asleep.

A attempt to escape his world.
With no escape for this Ojibwa/ Mexican man.

Sometime I drink the rum.
I laugh like my father.


Thank to men like him.
So many walls had fell down.
 
So I could have a good life.

My children can be proud to be Ojibwa/Mexican man or woman.

Father drove a old Pontiac.
He loved that old car.


John(COYOTE)

Author's Note

Old poetry and memory.

Reviews

[Tree]

We learn from our fathers. The good and the bad. There is a time when we are young that we see ourselves as different from our fathers, but one day we look in the mirror, or mimic a habit, and then we know... I like your poetry because you use it as a tool to document, to remember. I think that is why I write, too.
Good work here Coyote.

Diego

[Amazed]

This brought out so many memories of my father. The hardworking, drinking, partying,
wanting what's best for his family. It's humble to remember the old days. Great write.

[Essence London]

John (Coyote),

I admire this poem and the section of your "About Me" that mentions family history. I totally agree, and I believe that poetry is a unique way to record it all.

Before even finding you, today I sat down with my son in my hands to write down everything my great-grandfather wanted to share about his life.

It's encouraging to know I'm not the only one still concerned about lineage.

[Coyote Poetry]

We need to remember the good and kind people in a life. Thank you for reading.

[Ken Simm.]

There is a richness here that would do you Father proud.

[Colt 45 & 9/16]

Sounds like a Hell of a Man. God Bless him!! Did you ever make it to Californa? That part was said though. Thank you!!

[Cascara (aka Sprint Goe..]

This is a wonderful tribute to someone so close to you. I also liked your depictions of him as well.

[.......]

wow deep write and emotional.

[A. V. Madison]

The story of his life really touched me in ways I can't explain. Wonderful job, John. Wonderful.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you and I appreciate the comment.