Going down to the Clenching.

David Wakeling

My father would always clench when he saw me approach,
He knew that I was a disappointment to him,
He’d stamp his foot like treading on a cockroach,
And laugh the laugh you laugh when you see a fat lady at the gym.

I was taller than him, and smarter by half,
And it made him feel a little inferior,
But that wasn’t a good reason to laugh,
He was just nervous for life wasn’t worth living unless you are superior.

Oh I’d shake his hand and say how’s tricks Daddo?
But something died behind his eyes when I held his hand too long.
He’d clench like he been electrocuted in snow,
And I would be left without a Dad and without a song.

  • Author: David Wakeling (Offline Offline)
  • Published: June 13th, 2025 00:08
  • Category: Unclassified
  • Views: 24
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Comments +

Comments4

  • sorenbarrett

    There is something about feeling inferior that does not make for a good connection in a relationship. A poem that is very relatable even though I felt the other way around with my father. Very nice David

    • David Wakeling

      You're lucky to have a good relationship .I guess its a lottery with your parents.Thanks for commenting

    • Poetic Licence

      It is a inferiority complex which many have I think because they see something in the other person they wish could be but never will be, nicely expressed

      • David Wakeling

        Yes it can be handicap.Thanks for your insight

        • Poetic Licence

          You are very welcome

        • Tony36

          Excellent write David

          • David Wakeling

            Excellent comment Tony36

            • Tony36

              You're welcome

            • Tony Grannell

              Hello David,

              An awfully sad poem really. Like the prodigal son returning to be greeted by the cold handshake of a jealous father. No song to sing, indeed and yet out of the coldness, a poem, perhaps cathartic in its expression and an easing of the mind in its publication. I sincerely hope so. An honest poem and one worth reading.

              Wishing you the very best,

              Tony,

              • David Wakeling

                Yes it certainly is sad topic. Thank you for your insight.Mucho appreciado



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