Fathers Day Hiking Poem

by Grace
(Kansas, USA)

Father’s Day to me is more than just a day to let dad rest and enjoy breakfast in bed. It is about spending quality time with him, as well as learning one of life’s values. For as long as I can remember, my father has chosen to take me, my sister, and brother on a hike in the prairie to celebrate the holiday.

I don’t know how this tradition started, or what encouraged him to take three young children out on the trail, but those days together have been some of the best, most memorable bonding times for the four of us.

Out on the trail, our hike always included my father's favorite spot ... a path which leads up a straight incline and takes about 25 minutes to reach the top.

I am sure it wasn’t easy hiking up a steep hill with three little kids in tow, all of us sweating and complaining we are tired and hot. This never stopped him from prodding us on.

At the top, huffing and puffing, we sat down. Father would explain ... remind us, really, why we had chosen to hike up this hill.

He said that life isn’t always easy. No matter how difficult things are, it is important not to choose the easiest path. Instead, we need to dig in and make our way to the top by taking the best path.

For most of these outings, I remember rolling my eyes and thinking, “Yes Dad, we know." Even though I thought these hikes were a little ridiculous, I did feel proud of myself for making it to the top.

The view was so much better, having worked for it.

Fathers Day View From The Top

Three little kids,
We would hike and climb.
Sweating and moaning
such a waste of time!

Our father kept pushing
us never to stop.
Keep digging in,
reach the view from the top.

Our task now complete,
looking where we had been.
Smiling at father,
feeling grateful within.