It’s Father’s Day
and I wasn’t planning on writing anything.
Didn’t feel like it.
My dad’s gone now.
I remember him teaching us poker
at the kitchen table,
like it was something important,
like reading or tying your shoes.
And then later
watching him down at the marina
taking money from fishermen
like he’d been studying them his whole life,
like he knew something they didn’t.
He did the best he could.
I’ve got kids of my own.
Two sons. Two daughters.
I know I wasn’t always patient.
There were nights
the drinking got in the way
of who I should have been.
I’d like to say I’d do it all differently,
but the truth is
you don’t always know better
until it’s already behind you.
I hope they understand someday,
how much I love them,
how much of this
was me trying
and not always getting it right.
He did the best he could.
I did the best I could.
Maybe that’s what gets passed down,
not perfection,
just the attempt
and the hope
it lands a little softer
the next time around.
-
Author:
Thomas W Case (Pseudonym) (
Offline) - Published: June 23rd, 2026 08:29
- Comment from author about the poem: I put together a new long-form poetry reading—mostly from Seedy Town Blues, with one piece from what I’m working on now. If you’d like to hear the full reading: ▶️ https://youtu.be/ju1LRqLzrqc 📚 https://www.amazon.com/stores/Thomas-W.-Case/author/B0CL2RKDGX?ref=sr
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 32
- Users favorite of this poem: Syd, sorenbarrett, Ogunisjustice, Teddy.15, Paul Bell, Kevin Hulme, Tristan Robert Lange
Offline)
Comments10
I tried to leave a little bit of me behind before now & had thought I succeeded, but now realise that my previous attempt failed miserably .. so anyway, I am hoping I can send the following 5 stars off this time without any further glitches .. so here goes .. ⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐becuz its worth every one 😎👍
Thank you, my friend.
I really enjoyed this Thomas. I can really relate to this part.
"There were nights
the drinking got in the way
of who I should have been."
I can definitely relate to the poem as a whole.
- Syd
Thank you.
Thomas I have two daughters and two sons as well and I feel this. It was not until after my father was gone that I realized how important he was in forming who I am. He did his best and this poem emphasizes the feeling that we all do the best we can and it filters down, often not seen until we are gone. Poems may have the same effect not felt until we are forgotten. Your common man style goes hard and is easily felt. It speaks form the familiar like an old acquaintance someone to listen to and trust because they lived the same life and know you. Masterful and I envy your style my friend. A fave
Thank you, my friend.
Most welcome Thomas
I lost my Dad this year so I really appreciate this. He want the greatest dad but I loved him with all my heart. A beautiful poem dear Thomas. 🌹
Thank you.
No instructions on bringing up kids.
You do your best and hope they appreciate it in later life.
If they bring their kids to visit, I would say you done okay.
Yes. I appreciate it.
Love this Poem. Last Stanza says it all .
Enjoyed.
Thanks
Thomas, this really struck me. There is so much honesty packed into it…not just about fatherhood, but about being human. The grace in those repeated acknowledgments of doing the best one could hit me hard. Powerful piece, my friend. 🌹🖤🙏🕯️🐦⬛
I appreciate it.
A nice and sincere write....
Thanks
this is so true of many fathers - they do the best that is within their scope - a good write..
Thank you.
you are welcome.
"He did the best he could.
I did the best I could.
Maybe that’s what gets passed down,
not perfection,
just the attempt
and the hope
it lands a little softer
the next time around."
This is AMAZINGLY WRITTEN. I think it resonates with the majority. I hope you find peace during the holiday season. Grief will always be, but it's what we do with it that matters. Sending love
Thank you.
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