Life

11 Of The Sweetest Father's Day Poems

by Sarah Bunton

In case you didn't already know, Father's Day is quickly approaching. If you're someone who struggles with finding the right thing to say to the dad in your life, you might want to consider reading through some Father's Day poems to help you find a bit of inspiration. I'll be the first to admit that I'm far from creative when it comes to expressing my appreciation for all the wonderful ways my partner contributes to our family. I'm definitely guilty of rambling on a card to express how I feel. But just reflecting on what being a father means to different people can definitely put things in a fresh perspective.

There's been a lot of focus lately on the inaccurate depictions of motherhood in the media, but the same can be said for how fathers are portrayed as well. And even so, not every family is the same. The fact of the matter is that families come in all different shapes, sizes, colors, and forms. Sometimes a single parent does the job of two or a child has many loving parental figures in their life. No matter what your family looks like, take a minute to celebrate dad with these inspiring Father's Day poems.

1

"In Her Eyes" by Michelle W. Emerson

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There's something to be said about the unique relationship between a father and daughter. For a young girl, her dad shows her how a man should treat a woman. This poem by Michelle W. Emerson captures this bond.

The depth of a father's love shows in his daughter's eyes.
What's known is what's shown from sunset to sunrise.
A foundation built on more than just what is spoken.
It's commitments kept and promised that go unbroken.
An emotion so immense that nothing in this world can erase.
The permanent impression of love is tattooed upon her face.
A relation so peculiar that only the two can understand,
Yet so immaculate it's obvious that, by God, it was planned.
I believe it all began when she would sleep upon your chest.
Now you're her number one, her favorite, you're the best!
You move and she watches so closely it's as if she's in a trance.
The fact that she can repeat you, exactly, isn't just by chance.
From wrestling, racing, jump roping to being made up like a doll.
Both playmate and best friend, you've done some of it all.
A secret place, a look, special time just for her and you.
When a choice is to be made, it's all about what Daddy wants to do.
And you're there to cater to her every need and every wish.
There's an invisible pedestal for Daddy's little princess.
She's content just to be. She's filled with absolute bliss
Just to sit up under you, giving an occasional hug and kiss.
Sweet dreams are non-existent without Daddy's goodnight kiss.
Your gentle stroke, words just for her, your check on hers is what she'd miss.
It's simply because of how you love her, I surmise.
The depth of your love always shows in her eyes.
With you her laughter is harder and her smile is even brighter.
You have a friendship, a bond, a soul tie that couldn't be any tighter.
It's more than a special bond; it's an exclusive connection.
No room for a third party or attempted interjection.
This love is reserved just for Dad and no other.
It's not the same for siblings, not even for Mother.
It's the kind of love that I could never despise.
For the depth of your love always shows in her eyes.
To her, you'd give anything, but it's not about the gift.
It's that marvelous smile brought on by the spirit you lift.
It's not about what you can give her or about what you can do.
It's about the unconditional love reciprocated between you two.
It's the tears in her eyes when you two disagree.
Nothing's quite right until 'I love you and I'm sorry.'
It's that spunk in her step, the rainbow in her eye-
You'll know she's a Daddy's girl when she passes by.
She's got the kind of love that never fades or dies.
The depth of your love always shows in her eyes.
Upon angel wings you soar; your sparkling golden halo glows
Whenever she's with you, it's Heaven in her eyes that shows.
Her eyes hold a song so beautiful you'd think it was Heaven's melody.
It's the music of love's symphony composed by each precious memory.
The love known is the love you've shown from sunset to sunrise.
The depth of your love will forever show in your daughter's eyes.

2

"Father" by Edgar Albert Guest

There used to be a show called Father Knows Best, and some might still agree with that title. But this lighthearted piece by Edgar Albert Guest about dads pokes a bit of fun at that concept.

My father knows the proper way
The nation should be run;
He tells us children every day
Just what should now be done.
He knows the way to fix the trusts,
He has a simple plan;
But if the furnace needs repairs,
We have to hire a man.

3

"Descriptions Of Heaven And Hell" by Mark Jarman

This Mark Jarman poem hits you right in the feels and perfectly sums up how a father can give you such security.

The wave breaks
And I’m carried into it.
This is hell, I know,
Yet my father laughs,
Chest-deep, proving I’m wrong.
We’re safely rooted,
Rocked on his toes.
Nothing irked him more
Than asking, “What is there
Beyond death?”
His theory once was
That love greets you,
And the loveless
Don’t know what to say.

4

"Hero Dad" by Joanna Fuchs

A dad can play many different roles in a child's life, and this Joanna Fuchs poem highlights his inner superhero.

You are my hero, Dad
You're my secure foundation.
When I think of you, I'm filled with love
And fond appreciation
You make me feel protected;
I'm sheltered by your care.
You're always my true friend;
When I need you, you're always there.
You have a place of honor
Deep within my heart
.You've been my superhero, Dad,
Right from the very start.

5

"Fathers Need Not Fathers Be" by Nicholas Gordon

For all the things a father does, "Fathers Need Not Fathers Be" is a great example of the actions they must take.

Fathers need not fathers be.
All one needs to do is choose
To love for life, and that embrace,
Held long and hard, bestows the grace
Each craves. For all in time must lose,
Restored alone by memory.
So now it is with you and me.

6

"Father's Day Without You Is Like Music" by Nicholas Gordon

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For anyone whose father is far away, absent, or has passed on, this Nicholas Gordon poem truly strikes a chord.

Father's Day without you is like music
Muted by a distance undisturbed.
It is so faint I cannot tell the feeling,
Though I myself am gripped with pensive sorrow.
I listen all the more for what I cannot
Hear, and you are somewhere close beside me.
"It's joy!" you say, and then I nod, unbending,
Listening still while weeping like fine rain.
Yes, it's joy, and you again are with me.
I turn to you, and I am in your arms.
The music is a rhapsody around me,
And I am safe again and free to cry.
It is so beautiful, I cannot stand it,
I am a torrent, shaking in my gladness,
And you recede, as distant as the music,
Smiling dimly far across the plain.
"Please, please!" I say, yet know that what I'm asking
No longer is. Your day will come and go,
And I will crave and fear its restless turning
Because my happiness must be my pain.

7

"Labor Of Love" by Julie Atwood

A father is more than just someone who has a child. A father is someone who sacrifices selflessly just to see their child happy. This Julie Atwood piece says just that.

A ready made family was by chance
Inevitable
By our labor of love romance
A husband, a father, a friend
In this great life that has no end
'Tis but a journey; this circle of life
The joys of children and of wife
With stories told, you watched them play
From winters snow to summers day
With their coats and trousers hung on a hook
Their pockets bulging out fat at the seam
A marble, a comb, a map, a pocketbook
Shared treasures of a little boys dream
The shoes of a Father you do fill
Not for fame or fortune; Only your goodwill
With guidance and love they see all you do
The little child in themselves is in you, too
As the hours, days, years go by
On your loving ways we do rely
In this great circle of life
A husband, a Father, A friend
Our love for you knows no end.

8

"Happy Father's Day To My Dear Dad" by James T. Schriver

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Just as fathers and daughters share a unique bond, so do fathers and sons. This poem by James T. Schriver demonstrates how young boys look to their father as an example for becoming a man.

As you have loved me, so have I loved you,
Pleased to tell you, now that words are due,
Pleased to have this chance to make you glad.
Your years of love and sacrifice have had
For me the force that you would wish them to,
A wind that takes me home to harbors new,
The inner voice in clothes familiar clad.
How might I be myself, except I see
Each gesture in the mirror of your grace,
Remembered as it was when long ago,
'Ere I knew why, I looked to you for love?
So am I of you inextricably,
Defined by trends not difficult to trace
As I grow into someone that I know,
Yet myself in ways that time will prove.

9

"Those Winter Sundays" by Robert Hayden

So often, it's not until you're an adult yourself that you realize how hard your parents worked to provide for you as a child. This poem by Robert Hayden is a reminder that thanks should be given for all the unnoticed good deeds fathers do.

Sundays too my father got up early
and put his clothes on in the blueblack cold,
then with cracked hands that ached
from labor in the weekday weather
made banked fires blaze.
No one ever thanked him.
I’d wake and hear the cold splintering, breaking.
When the rooms were warm, he’d call,
and slowly I would rise and dress,
fearing the chronic angers of that house,
Speaking indifferently to him,
who had driven out the cold and polished my good shoes as well.
What did I know, what did I know
of love’s austere and lonely offices?

10

"Twenty Bucks" by Denise Rodgers

Short, sweet, and funny, the words in this Denise Rodgers piece might sound pretty familiar.

Happy Father’s Day.
You’re the tops.
Your list of good traits
Never stops.
You’re smart.
You’re strong.
You’re always there
To fix a bike
Or change a spare.
You’re good for laughs
And grins and yucks
(and could I please
have twenty bucks?)

11

"Walk With Me Daddy" by Helen Bush

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Written from the perspective of a child, this poem by Helen Bush pulls on the heartstrings in the most beautiful way.

Walk alongside me, daddy
and hold my little hand.
I have so many things to learn
that I don't yet understand.
Teach me things to keep me safe
from dangers every day.
Show me how to do my best
at home, at school, at play.
Every child needs a gentle hand
to guide them as they grow.
So walk alongside me, daddy -
We have a long way to go.