He taught us children
to hold the hammer,
to beat the nail into the wood
and create the finest furniture.
Then he taught us
to clench our fists,
taught us when to defend,
when to strike the enemies.
Wanting to learn more, we asked
how to beat the other monsters
Puzzled and confused, but calm.
“I am also still learning”, he replied.
Dad, we aren’t close to what you are
but we hope you and I start learning
to nail the monsters that we brush aside
the monsters that haunt us day in, day out.
These monsters of the sea of stress
anger, rage, anxiety, depression
uncomfortable topics that we often avoid,
distant relationship while being so close.
Dad, I hope someday we learn
to crush these monsters,
and learn to put our hammers down
to talk about these monsters.
And stop clenching our fist so tight
lest we forget how to reach out to help.
We can find new ways of living
beyond just hammers and fists.
Maybe, Dad, maybe, it’s not too late
we wouldn’t have seen what we see today
had we known how to face these monsters.
Now, we can teach wisdom to rid these monsters.
Dad, we are still learning and ever grateful
for who you are, the life you gave us
and the joy that you have been.
No words can express our feelings for you!
Happy Father’s day to all the fathers!
Sincerely,
Vashung Rimai
All the aspiring children for a better world
