Stepfather, stepfather you have no card,
today is just another day,
the reflected glory of sons seen through darkened glass
the reward for love by proxy;
toiling uphill to see the horizon closing in
when others may bask in yearly glory.
We don't expect a card
there ain't one printed for us, and that's official.
but spare a thought while we with outstretched hand
offer our very best of bonds
to take good care
of the sons of others no longer there.
<Deleted User> (19421)
Tue 19th Jun 2018 07:49
Ray - I suspect that if you are a stepfather that your stepchild/ren would not need a card to show you what you mean to them!
great poem!
D
<Deleted User> (13762)
Mon 18th Jun 2018 09:32
a very moving poem Ray that has stirred many emotions within me. My brother and I readily accepted our stepfather and always called him Dad but I fully appreciate the step-parent situation can be way more complicated than ours ever was.
when I listened to your reading last night I chuckled at the background noises - TV and dishes? - but this morning I have the image of you wandering off to record this alone and it made me feel somewhat sad.
Col.
elPintor
Mon 18th Jun 2018 02:24
Such kindness in those final lines--a gentle plea to not be taken for granted and a reminder that fatherhood goes so much deeper than blood.
Rachel
<Deleted User> (18980)
Sun 17th Jun 2018 19:31
I guess if one has brought up the child from an early age he will be 'Dad', otherwise christian name will be used. Two of my brothers are known as Dad; my brother-in-law as Clive.
<Deleted User> (18118)
Sun 17th Jun 2018 19:19
Really beautiful.
There ought to be a card for a stepfather, though I think if I had a stepdad, I would make him a card.
Hannah
A difficult one Ray. I must admit it is not something I have considered before. thanks for posting this its quite provoking. Bless you my friend
<Deleted User> (18980)
Sun 17th Jun 2018 17:54
Yes...must be a bitter pill for a stepdad.
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raypool
Tue 19th Jun 2018 19:19
Just to explain folks that I wasn't grumbling about being a stepfather, it was a move I made with eyes open. There are definite challenges in the role, a little like ducking laser beams in security vaults. The worst of it is in the realms of jealousy of protectiveness - mine were 12 and 13. Time proves you right or wrong. I just to wanted to point out that the role does not get recognition in a card, unlike say getting a new job or moving home, both or which have much shorter stress factors.
Thanks Brian. Hole in one. It's true that by teenage, all the self awareness is in place.
Martin - quite understandable. It feels like a niche market. Thanks for pondering.
Hannah, how gracious thanks. I do get birthday cards from the lads now!
Thanks David; I see what you mean, like a contradiction almost. the party was all indoors due to the cold, but ok.
How observant Rachel. Fatherhood may as you say run deep - a bit like a teacher whose messages carry on a longer term perhaps, but don't hit that personal mark.
A plea is a good thing, rather than a blind demand.
Cheers, Col. I know you are a deep feeler. The great thing about learning lessons is that you are ready next time around, and time brings strength of resolve. Tests usually come when you're not ready, otherwise they would not really be tests. Your thoughts on the recording are spot on. Splendid isolation.
Thanks Darren. Actually, I don't think receiving cards is so significant as not receiving them in terms of their impact. Cynical I know; don't try it at home!
Thanks for looking in, Jon and Anya.
Love to all Ray