A Father's Day poem for paddlers

To all of you dads

who would rather be paddling

than opening gifts

amid family prattling.

To all of you dads,

be you homely or dashing,

who want to get out

on waves cresting and crashing.

I hear you, I get it.

I feel the same way.

But I think you should hang

with your family today.

(Unless, of course,

your kids paddle, too.

In that case, get out!

This poem’s not for you.)

Think for a moment

of all they have done

to allow you to paddle

and have so much fun.

They put up with your gear

hanging in the back yard.

They tolerate neoprene stink--

and that’s hard!

They squeeze past your kayak

to get to the car.

They don’t laugh aloud

when you say “pub” not “bar.”

They let you buy rescue knives,

tow belts and flares,

and assemble your kits

for first aid and repairs.

They know all the acronyms:

CLAP, PFD

BCU, ACA

VHF, LTPD.

They deal with the sand

and the water and dirt.

They’re even OK

with you wearing a skirt.

So stay home and celebrate

family today.

Hang out with your kids.

Hear what they say.

For despite your addiction

to paddling, it seems,

your children still love you.

You’re the dad of their dreams.

                                                             --Sharon