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Poetry
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I'm Glad
By Snodlander
09 October 2006
This is my first attempt at serious poetry in 30 years.  I was surprised and embarrassed at the tears it illicited writing it.

I’m glad you’ve studied hard
And not pissed away your time at school
Dodging homework and skiving lessons
Like a stupid kid did a lifetime ago

And I’m glad you’ve got a place at uni
And made some friends on day one
That will last your whole life through,
Not casually drop and never pick back up

And I’m glad that you’re engaged
And that wimp-boy makes you laugh
And giggle by simply being there
Like a little girl would giggle when her father came home

And I’m glad that I don’t have to taxi you
When you rally to fight for the cause
Of justice for the oppressed
And every ism under the sun

And I’m glad that I don’t have to feel guilty now
When I eat a steak rare
And you shudder at the pinkness
Though we forget and set your place anyway

And I’m glad I don’t have to stay awake
Urging the hour hand round the face
Laughing at my fears and terrors
Till I hear your footfall on the path

And I’m glad I don’t have to dress
At night when bladder weak with age
Urges me onto the landing
When you thought we were all asleep

And I’m glad at the girlish things you tossed aside
Boxed in the attic out of sight
And I'm glad we no longer have to trek
Between clothes hung neatly on the floor

And I’m glad you’re a woman now
And can face the world
Without a father’s shadow
Stunting your growth

And I’m glad you can’t see me now
Standing in your empty, empty room
Filling the silence of the night
With the lonely sobs of a father proud

Reviews
I'm glad. . .
Written by Witzl (1585 comments posted) 9th October 2006
. . .to have read this, I suppose, but I almost wish I hadn't.  
 
I've got this to come in a few years' time, and how the hell am I going to cope? 
 
This poem moved me greatly. I will now go into my trashed, dripping-with-condensation, finally-empty bathroom, then pay a visit to the turbulent hellhole that is my teenager's room -- and try to remember that even this shall pass away.

Written by Talisker (1326 comments posted) 9th October 2006
Heartfelt, genuine, honest, emotive. I've got no kids, so I can't empathise fully - but you put it across very, very well. 
 
It may not win any prizes - but if there was a prize for elaborating parental angst... 
 
Well done. You must have been keeping the poetry machine in a dry barn for 30 years - there's little sign of rust :)  
 
Oli.

Written by Phil (6730 comments posted) 9th October 2006
Can not add anything to the above comments on this. 
 
Well done. 
 
All the best, 
 
Phil.

Written by Bottleblondesurfer (3362 comments posted) 9th October 2006
A great little poem; a bit of heartfelt emotion. True sentiment without falling into sentimentality. The funny thing is we never get round to telling them, perhaps one day she'll find the poem 
cheers 
BBS

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