FATHERS

Oh! dear fathers,  
Why so reckless and shameless?  
While mothers alone are left dripping—  
In the waves and pounds of nine long months.  
The babies' cries and daily needs,  
Their care,  
Each sunrise brings a stressful day,  
And their burdens carry no joy.  
The laments, the struggles,  
The sorrows—  
They bear it all.  
Yet still, you show no remorse.  

Behold, a chaotic ballet:  
Babies thrown, discarded,  
Lost in the shadows of unknown identities.  
Betrayers break their vows,  
And escape through open windows.  
Broken homes drown in rain,  
Pregnancies abandoned,  
Innocent souls lost before they begin.  
I tremble in fear.  

Hello! whispers the chaos,  
As parenthood turns tragic.  
Mothers—lost, broke, and unaided,  
Children wander in the debt of despair,  
While solitude conquers the hearts of women.

But as for my father,
A treasure from heaven,
No man as him, echoes  my joy,
And my gratitude too insufficient.

       POEM’S CONTENT

The poem contrasts two types of fatherhood:
1. Absent, reckless fathers who leave pain and chaos behind.
2. The poet father, who stands as a symbol of love, protection, and gratitude.

It’s both a social critique and a personal tribute.

Themes:

1. Parental Responsibility vs. Abandonment – The first two stanzas show how neglectful fatherhood harms families.
2. Maternal Struggle – Mothers suffer and sacrifice while fathers escape.
3. Family Breakdown – Broken homes, identity loss, and despair arise from paternal neglect.
4. Emotional Chaos – Strong emotions of sorrow, fear, and loneliness dominate.
5. Gratitude and Love – The final stanza honors your father as rare and deeply appreciated.

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Tone:

- Accusatory and mournful (first part)
- Fearful and reflective (middle)
- Loving and grateful (final lines)

This tonal shift adds depth—your poem doesn't just blame, it balances justice with love.

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Literary Devices:

- Apostrophe: Speaking directly to "fathers" and "his father."

- Imagery: “Chaotic ballet,” “drown in rain,” “debt of despair” evoke vivid emotional scenes.
- Alliteration: “Babies... discarded,” “debt of despair,” adds musicality.
- Metaphor:
   - “Dripping” – physical and emotional toll of motherhood  
   - “Broken homes drown in rain” – suffering and sadness
   - “A treasure from heaven” – divine praise for your father
- Contrast: Harsh criticism of most fathers vs. pure praise for your own. This is very effective.

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             SETTINGS OF THE POEM
The poem was written due to the various difficulties and circumstances endure by mothers mostly from teenage hood unto adulthood, and for his father as a gratitude the same one who took care of him as a single parent since birth. As a result Dookwon Iswamaf the poet who is so fun of writing tragic poem like « mission impossible « laments " and others wrote this poem "Fathers " on the 30 July 2025 at mid day 12:00pm.


Structure & Form:

- Free verse – No fixed rhyme, allowing emotional freedom.
- 3 main stanzas of critique, then 1 stanza of praise – this structure creates impact and emotional contrast.

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Final Message:

You expose the damage caused by heartless fatherhood but end with hope and appreciation. Your final words turn the poem into a celebration of good fatherhood, showing that not all men are lost—some are sacred.