by Novid Shaid, 2011

For Our Fathers

.

Like a roof, giving shelter from the cold,

Like foundations, shouldering the weight of his household,

Like a candle, lighting up his family’s world,

Like cement, binding us together with a firm hold,

is our father

.

And as our father matures in years and wisdom

Like a fruit tree, firmly rooted in the garden

Though the branches seem to wither and weaken

Still the fruits appear and grow and drop and ripen

from our father

.

O Lord, bless our father immensely and endlessly

For his hard work, for his guidance and generosity

Help us to benefit from the fruit of his efforts and wisdom

Accept these sincere prayers from grateful and loving children

for our father.

.

For Our Mothers

.

Like the fire, giving warmth and glowing so bright

Like the water, showering her family with life

Like a fur blanket, comforting with sheer delight

Like medicine, soothing our troubles and strife

is our mother.

.

And as we grow in strength and venture out of the nest

And find other loves, pursuing our own projects

Still her heart aches with an emptiness

For the love of God dwells in her breast

in our mother

.

O Lord, bless our mother without end

for her love, on which our sorry lives depend

Help us to gladden her, and her needs we attend

Keep a special place for our loving friend,

for our mother.