St Martins Fathers Day Poem

by Billy Mie
(New York City, NY, USA)

When I was little, I celebrated Father's Day by making cards and breakfast for my dad. I usually made eggs and bacon, his favorite. I remember making him a glass of home-made orange juice to drink, and he always gave me a hug and a kiss. I hugged him back and said "I love you."

Later in the day, we often went to the park near the beach. We ate ice cream, and drank soda pop as a treat. This was our Fathers Day celebration until I was 17.

That year my father was dying of a brain tumor. On Fathers Day I was not able to make his usual breakfast. Instead, I went to a nearby deli and had lunch prepared for us. Some orange juice and jello from the hospital refrigerator completed his tray.

"Happy Fathers Day, Dad," I said. He thanked me, and looked a little teary-eyed. I kissed and hugged him, and we laughed.

Two weeks later he died from his illness. In my eulogy I talked about how caring my dad was, and how much I was going to miss him.

Last Fathers Day

Oh father, how I miss you.
I said I love you, and you did too.
We ate ice cream at the park.
And we sat there till the day became dark.