Happy Birthday Dad
Every day the whole year through,
I feel grateful you are my father.
Some fathers dont have time for their kids,
But for you I am never a bother.
You always make the effort to listen and share;
You are always there when you are needed.
It warms me to know how much you care,
And with that knowledge my worries are defeated.
Dad, you are truly admired and adored,
And as your daughter, I hope that you know,
These sentiments fill me each day of the year,
And my love for you continues to grow.
Today I wish you much pleasure and joy;
I hope all of your wishes come true.
May each hour and minute be filled with delight,
And your birthday be perfect for you!
—Arfa Karim
You Held My Hand
You held my hand when I felt scared,
I just want to tell you, my dad,
That there is no one as perfect as you.
Do you even have a clue
That I truly love you?
You mean a lot to me, dad,
I wish you a very happy birthday,
May God bless you!
Wishes For A Special Day
A man so genuine and true,
Can only be your dad with his love through.
Today is your special day
And I want to proclaim hard in every way.
I thank God for giving you to me,
And my love is what you will always see…
Pillar Of A Man
Work hard yet be humble,
share all that you have
Maybe the most important of many lessons,
that I have learned from my dad.
Protect and honor your family,
no matter what the cost
A battle for your family
is a battle that can’t be lost.
Take a stand for things that matter,
and always keep your head held up high.
Embrace those things close to your heart,
and yes, sometimes men do cry.
These lessons in life can not be taught,
they must be observed.
Happy birthday dad you have taught me a lot,
and I love you for what I have learned.
—Mike Brown
Happy Birthday To The Best Dad
A gentle and wonderful man,
The very best in his clan.
You were there with me in every grief and joy
What would I have done without you, Oh boy!
Today, on your birthday I ponder to reflect,
Every precious memory in my mind that I collect.
Dad I Love You
I Love You Dad (Your 85th birthday gift from me.)
I thank God every day because you are my Dad
When I need you the most,
even with the miles that separate us,
you are always in my Heart.
You have given me so many gifts.
Courage, Strength, Hope, Kindness, and Peace of Mind.
When I did not know what to do next,
you believed in me.
I had your love from the beginning.
Since the moment I was born.
You have always been there for me,
even when you thought you couldn’t be.
I can’t imagine my life without you Dad.
I know I don’t call all the time, and I’m sorry.
I get caught up in life’s struggles.
Still remember, you have given me so much joy.
You helped me to see the bigger pictures.
I think every day that if I never see you again
you will know like I do
how much you mean to me.
I am glad God picked you to be my Dad and I Love You.
I remember all the fun we had.
I smile every time I think about the time we have spent together.
You gave me life and you let me live it.
You gave me the push to do things I did not believe I could do.
In my heart I will always be your little girl.
Even as a grown up I can feel the love you have given
to a child, teenager, young mother,
even more as an independent woman.
Thank you Dad,
I am always with you no matter how far or close.
DADDY, I LOVE YOU. HAPPY BIRTHDAY
—Felicia Ruth Miller
My Dad, A Role Model
So much to learn and yet so little time,
From a man who leads a life so fine.
Thank you for all the patient listening
And that has always left me glistening.
Dad, I am sending gratitude and love your way,
On a day that cannot get more solemn than your birthday.
Warm Birthday Wishes Dear Dad.
My Dad Is My Friend
Fortunate are those to have a father like you,
The one who has been a friend all the way through.
You knew when you had to extend your support,
And you also knew when I had to learn to hold my own fort.
Sending wishes and prayers on your birthday,
I will hold you in my heart and think of you every minute of every day.
Happy Birthday Dear Daddy!
My Daddy
My Daddy has the strength of a mountain,
Yet he has the purity of a water fountain.
My Daddy has the wit of a clown,
His jokes pull me up whenever I’m down.
My Daddy has the looks of a Hollywood star,
And his voice sounds like the strings of a guitar.
My Daddy is celebrating his birthday today,
And I love him much more than I can ever say.
Happy Birthday dearest Daddy.
I Love You Daddy
I don’t know what it means to be confused and sad,
‘coz you are so are so very brilliant, my dearest Dad.
You somehow have a solution for every little problem,
You manage to get your way even without throwing any tantrums.
You taught me how to distinguish between right and wrong,
You made me into the person I am and made me so strong.
You are the wisest, yet the sweetest man I have ever met,
You are someone Daddy, whom I can never ever forget.
Happy Birthday Dad.
I Owe My Life To You
You did not just teach me how to take my first step,
But when I fell, it was on your shoulders that I wept.
You pointed out the right direction for me,
You showed me how to live my life, let me be me.
Even success is incomplete without you, my dad.
Without you, I am always so blue and sad.
Happy Birthday to the sweetest father,
I love you today and forever, like no other.
Happy Birthday Dad
When I was born
I didn’t know much
I was introduced to this world
By your kind words and soft touch
Years passed so quickly
And we were already alike
You were my guide and instructor
When learning to ride a bike
Off to kindergarten
And a tear in your eye
You’ve always been sensitive
When it comes to goodbyes
It’s because of the love
That you hold in your heart
You want me to experience life
But don’t like to be apart
So off I went
Adventuring alone
Learning new things
Experiencing life on my own
Hasn’t always been easy
That, I am aware
But one thing’s for sure
You are always there
You’ve helped me see
The woman I can become
You’ve always had faith in me
Even when I had none
It’s that unconditional love
That helped me get through
I wish all little girls’ daddies
Could be as great as you
If all girls had guidance
And a dad’s shoulder to cry
They’d grow up with confidence
And a willingness to try
So I guess what I’m saying
Is thank you, Dad
I’m not sure words can express
The impact you’ve had
You are my hero
And an inspiration to all
Happy Birthday, Dad
Or Papa Dukes as I call
—Tiana Jensen
You Da Man!
Ever since my life began,
I realized that “You da man!”
I saw your wisdom, your courage too,
And I learned I could rely on you.
Your tolerant nature was really great;
Nevertheless, you’d not hesitate
To let me know when I’d been bad;
It must have been hard, but that’s being a dad.
You’re strong and smart and filled with love–
A gift to me from up above,
So here’s a greeting from your biggest fan:
Happy Birthday, Dad, ’cause “You da man!”
—Karl Fuchs
Good Man
Dad,
Every year, your birthday reminds me
how grateful I am that you are my father.
With all that’s going on in the world today,
I’m thankful I get to watch you,
to look up to you, being an example of a good man.
What a privilege it is to observe your strength,
your competence, and your kindness.
I am so blessed to be under your wing,
your protection, your care,
learning important life lessons from you.
If all fathers were like you,
the world would be a very different
and much better place.
Happy Birthday, Dad,
from your admiring son/daughter.
—Joanna Fuchs
Happy 50th Birthday For Father
To my dad on his 50th birthday
When I was young you were always there.
To hold my hand and say I care.
Encourage me along the way
along each step a different day.
Laugh a hell of a lot and
say don’t ever smoke pot.
You teach me how to do only
good things in life
And to never judge and
only do what is right.
My dad’s hands were never clean
Although he was a working man he was never that mean.
He cracks half a smile only once in a while
doesn’t like to show his teeth unless they are shiny, polished, and in style.
My dad is the kind of man that performs the unexplainable
People usually stare but my dad says that doesn’t bother me because I don’t care.
There are characteristics in every person that brings out your smile
Therefore my dad has too many and I will love him a lot for a while.
Happy 50th birthday dad
I love you
—Caitlynn
It’s Your Birthday
There’s so much to do
So much to celebrate
That great Dad that’s you
The great life you’ve led
The great life you now lead
The great things that you do
Through both action and deed
Here’s to another great year
And more years to come
But if life were a contest
Then you’ve already won
To the father who raised me
And showed me the way
Between right and wrong
Here’s to your special day
All my life you’ve guided me
All my life you’ve been there
So I say “Happy Birthday”
With the greatest of care
Dear Dad
We probably drive you crazy
We may have made you go grey
But in the end you know
We love you and it makes it all okay
We are so grateful for all you’ve done
And hope you know, especially today
How much we love you
Happy Birthday
Happy birthday to you, pops
as you wake like every other day
and go about your routine
like nothing is different.
Except it is different
because you know
you have completed another cycle
in spite of everything
and you will see
more glorious days.
Another year is here to greet you
with smiles and open hearts
of the glorious life that you live
of which we are all a part!
With great love and respect
Of the man that you are
we want to wish you Happy Birthday
from all of our hearts!
When I was a baby
You held my hand to help me cross the road
When I was a teen:
You made it clear that I could share life’s load
When I was a bride:
I took your arm, you walked me down the aisle
And now it is your birthday:
I just want to make you smile.
I love you Dad – Happy Birthday
Dad, all year long
You give and give
You work harder and love more
Than anyone could ever ask for
But today is your day
So kick up your tired feet
Take control of the remote
Sit back and relax
Today is for you
It can’t be said enough, but we love you Dad!
We wish you the happiest of birthdays!
Cake helps make the day so special,
you and your kindness deserve a million cakes in between.
But we will just start here, because today on your birthday it’s all just for you.
We hope to make it special enough just for you,
Just because we want you to know how much we really love you so.
Happy Birthday Dad.
Be brave and be honest
Be true and be bold
To me as a child
This is what you always told
Everything you said
I’m glad I listened to
I feel thankful for having
A dad like you
I’m going to gather a crowd
Today is my daddy’s birthday
Is what I’m shouting out aloud
Lots of pins, tons of shares
Tens of posts, many a tweets
All this and a lot more
For a dad who is just too sweet
Happy birthday
Dad…
I hope you can see
How much I look up to you
I wish I can be
The person you want me to
I wish that I can
Stand out from the crowd
I hope that one day
I can make you feel proud
Happy birthday
A birthday gift for a dad as cool as you
Is a gift that hasn’t been made yet
Simply because there is nothing in the world
That can be worthy of a man, so perfect
No matter what I buy, it will never be enough
Because you have made every day of my life
Seem like a gift, wrapped in the best possible way
You are the best dad to me and hubby to your wife
Happy birthday
He’s The One
He’s the one I can rely on,
He is honest, strong and true,
There is nothing in the whole wide world,
If you ask he will not do,
So as it is your birthday,
I just want you to know,
How much I really love you,
And want to tell you so.
Have a great happy birthday dad!
—Janyce Cotterill
To My Special Dad
Wishing a wonderful day
To my special Dad
I hope it’s the best Birthday
That you’ve ever had.
All these loving wishes sent
are so sincere and true . .
Dad you really are the best.
There’s no one quite like you.
—Julie Hassall
Happy Birthday Dad
Happy birthday Dad,
You certainly deserve the best,
For you will always be to me,
Head and shoulders above the rest,
You do so much for others,
One call is all you need,
Forever willing to lend a hand,
Always content when doing a good deed,
So I hope that on your birthday,
You’ll let others show they care,
By all the cards and gifts they give,
And all the love they share.
—Janyce Cotterill
Daddy,
I love you more than the stars in the sky,
More than the fish in the sea,
More than the trees in the forest.
Daddy, you mean the world to me.
Your footsteps plot my favorite trail,
Without you, life would be dull and pale,
With your guidance, I’m not afraid to fail,
You make life awesome, like a fairy tale.
Happy Birthday Dad!
Special Number One Dad – Birthday
Dad, today it is your Birthday
and I just want to say,
That you are very dear to me
In every single way.
You’ve always been my guiding light,
The one to show the way,
When things got tough or a little hard,
You always saved the day.
So I’m sending you this Birthday wish,
to make your day full of fun,
Because when it comes to special dads,
You’re definitely number one.
Have a great day.
—Sarah Skinner
A Birthday Wish For My Father
F antastic
A wesome
T errific
H elpful
E xciting
R eliable
These words spell out a name, it’s true
Of someone special, Dad, it’s you!
Happy Birthday to my Dear Father
—Margaret Jones
You’re My Dad
You’re the Dad that wipes my tears,
You’re the Dad that calms my fears,
You’re the Dad that works each day,
So I can run, laugh and play,
You’re the Dad that tooks me in bed,
You’re the Dad that kisses my head,
You’re the Dad that tells me jokes,
You’re the Dad that never mopes,
But best of all,
You’re my Dad and that’s why I love you.
Happy Birthday Dad
—Natalie Cooper
It’s daddy’s birthday, so organize a party, roast a fresh turkey, cut a birthday cake, and open a bottle of champagne. If you woud like to make it more merorable and touching, wish him a happy birthday in a poetic way. Send him one of these poems or read a poem aloud at the party, so he feels glad on his big day.
You may want to share some of those feelings or experiences at the funeral. And a great way to do so is with a poem.
The funeral poems we've collected here are ideal for a eulogy or reading for your dad. You will find some that look to celebrate his life and all he brought to this world, others that reflect on what he meant to you.
However you wish to pay tribute to your dad and remember him we feel confident that one of the funeral poems here will express how important he was in the best possible way.
Funeral Poems for Dads
Not, How Did He Die, But How Did He Live?
Not, how did he die, but how did he live?
Not, what did he gain, but what did he give?
These are the units to measure the worth
Of a man as a man, regardless of his birth.
Nor what was his church, nor what was his creed?
But had he befriended those really in need?
Was he ever ready, with words of good cheer,
To bring back a smile, to banish a tear?
Not what did the sketch in the newspaper say,
But how many were sorry when he passed away?
By Summer Sandercox
If Tears Could Build A Stairway
If tears could build a stairway,
and memories a lane.
I would walk right up to Heaven
and bring you back again.
No farewell words were spoken,
No time to say “Goodbye”.
You were gone before I knew it,
and only God knows why.
My heart still aches with sadness,
and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to love you –
No one can ever know.
But now I know you want me
to mourn for you no more;
To remember all the happy times
life still has much in store.
Since you'll never be forgotten,
I pledge to you today
A hollowed place within my heart
is where you'll always stay.
By Unknown
Broken Chain
We little knew the day that
God was going to call your name.
In life we loved you dearly,
In death we do the same.
It broke our hearts to lose you
But you didn’t go alone.
For part of us went with you
The day God called you home.
You left us peaceful memories.
Your love is still our guide,
And though we cannot see you
You are always at our side.
Our family chain is broken
and nothing seems the same,
but as God calls us one by one
By Ron Tranmer
My Father, My Father
My father, my father,
I love he,
my father, my father,
made me see,
how beautiful this world really can be.
My father, my father,
said to me,
my daughter my daughter,
come see me,
I wont be around forever, and I have things that must be.
My father, my father,
don’t die on me.
By Dakota Ellerton
His Journey’s Just Begun
Don’t think of him as gone away
his journey’s just begun,
life holds so many facets
this earth is only one.
Just think of him as resting
from the sorrows and the tears
in a place of warmth and comfort
where there are no days and years.
Think how he must be wishing
that we could know today
how nothing but our sadness
can really pass away.
And think of him as living
in the hearts of those he touched…
for nothing loved is ever lost
and he was loved so much.
By Ellen Brenneman
He Only Takes the Best
God saw that he was getting tired,
A cure was not to be.
So He put His arms around him
and whispered, “Come with Me.”
With tearful eyes, we watched him suffer,
And saw him fade away.
Although we loved him dearly,
We could not make him stay.
A golden heart stopped beating,
Hard working hands to rest.
God broke our hearts to prove to us
He only takes “the best”.
by Unknown
Dad
We’ll always remember
That special smile,
That caring heart,
That warm embrace,
You always gave us.
You being there
For Mom and us
Through good and bad times,
No matter what.
We’ll always remember
You Dad because
They’ll never be another one
To replace you in our hearts,
And the love we will always
Have for you
By Unknown
Life Lessons
You may have thought I didn’t see,
Or that I hadn’t heard,
Life lessons that you taught to me,
But I got every word.
Perhaps you thought I missed it all,
And that we’d grow apart,
But Dad, I picked up everything,
It’s written on my heart.
Without you, Dad, I wouldn’t be
The (woman)(man) I am today;
You built a strong foundation
No one can take away.
I’ve grown up with your values,
And I’m very glad I did;
So here’s to you, dear father,
From your forever grateful kid
by Joanna Fuchs
Mirror
Dad, I am often told I am just like you.
I am honored beyond measure if that is true.
You were the best example of what a man should be.
I am overwhelmed that someone would say that of me.
I never told you enough, how proud I am to be called your son,
Now that you are gone, I want to tell everyone.
You gave me much more than a name,
Someday, I hope my son says the same.
by J. Allen Shaw
Memories of Dad
I will take this special moment
To turn my thoughts to Dad
Thank him for the home he gave
For all the things we had.
We think about the fleeting years
Too quickly, gone for good
It seems like only yesterday
I’d go back if I could.
A time when Dad was always there,
No matter what the weather.
Always strong when things went wrong
He held our lives together.
He strived so hard from day to day
And never once complained.
With steady hands, he worked so hard
And kept the family name.
He taught us that hard work pays off,
You reap just what you sow.
He said that if you tend your crops,
Your field will overflow.
My life has been bountiful
He taught me how to give
In his firm and steadfast way
He taught me how to live.
Dad dwells among the angels now
He left us much too soon
He glides across a golden field
Above the harvest moon.
I see him in the summer rain,
He rides upon the wind
And when my path is beaten down
He picks me up again.
By Unknown
My Hero
You held my hand when I was small
You caught me when I fell
You are the hero of my childhood
And my later years as well
And every time I think of you
My heart still fills with pride
Though I will always miss you Dad
I know you’re by my side
In laughter and in sorrow
In sunshine and in rain
I know you’re watching over me
Until we meet again.
By Unknown
Our Father’s Garden
Our Father kept a garden.
A garden of the heart;
He planted all the good things,
That gave our lives their start.
He turned us to the sunshine,
And encouraged us to dream:
Fostering and nurturing
The seeds of self-esteem.
And when the winds and rain came,
He protected us enough;
But not too much because he knew
We would stand up strong and tough.
His constant good example,
Always taught us right from wrong;
Markers for our pathway that will last a lifetime long.
We are our Fathers garden,
We are his legacy.
Thank you Dad we love you
By Unknown
He is Gone
You can shed tears that he is gone,
or you can smile because he has lived.
You can close your eyes and pray that he'll come back,
or you can open your eyes and see all he's left.
Your heart can be empty because you can't see him,
or you can be full of the love you shared.
You can turn your back on tomorrow and live yesterday,
or you can be happy for tomorrow because of yesterday.
You can remember him only that he is gone,
or you can cherish his memory and let it live on.
You can cry and close your mind,
be empty and turn your back.
Or you can do what he'd want:
smile, open your eyes, love and go on.
By David Harkins
Goodbye To My Dad
Goodbye Dad, I had to say
A few months ago on a cold winter day
I’ll remember the good times and try not to be sad
But saying goodbye still hurts so bad
I miss you more then I can express
My love for you will never grow less
I keep trying to imagine how I will go on
I realize tomorrow is another dawn
I know you’re in heaven above
Looking down on us with all your love
Only to whisper in our ear
Remember that I’ll never stopped loving you dear
I’ll always remember the good times we had
Remember the man, my wonderful Dad
I’ll remember you each and every day
And if I need to talk to you, I’ll just sit down and pray
One day we’ll be together again
To talk about all the places we been
Until the time I’ll always treasure
Having you for a Dad was such a great pleasure.
by Debra Marie Stratton-VanBuskirk
Moments Before
Moments before our walk that afternoon,
I realized the path ended too soon.
Not long enough to hold his hand,
this amazing person, this loving man.
Not long enough to engage his eyes
and remember his always brimming with pride.
Not long enough to stand by his side,
as he was by mine after every rough tide.
Not long enough to laugh with him still,
after every bad joke,
after every tough hill.
Not long enough to walk with this man,
who has taught me to be the person I am.
Not long enough as we walked by his wife,
to thank them both for my wonderful life.
In all the walks I’ve taken in my life,
first as a girl and now as a wife,
I’ll remember that walk I took with my father
and always wish it could have been longer.
By Kelly Horn
Your Spirit
I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.
When life separates us
I’ll know it is only your soul
Saying goodbye to your body
But your spirit will be with me always.
When I see a bird chirping on a nearby branch
I will know it is you singing to me.
When a butterfly brushes gently by me so care freely
I will know it is you assuring me you are free from pain.
When the gentle fragrance of a flower catches my attention
I will know it is you reminding me
To appreciate the simple things in life.
When the sun shining through my window awakens me
I will feel the warmth of your love.
When I hear the rain pitter patter against my window sill
I will hear your words of wisdom
And will remember what you taught me so well
That without rain trees cannot grow
Without rain flowers cannot bloom
Without life’s challenges I cannot grow strong.
When I look out to the sea
I will think of your endless love for your family.
When I think of mountains, their majesty and magnificence
I will think of your courage for your country.
No matter where I am
Your spirit will be beside me
For I know that no matter what
You will always be with me.
By Tram-Tiara T. Von Reichenbach
Our Loving Father
God took the strength of a mountain & the majesty of a tree.
The warmth of a summer sun, the calm of a quiet sea.
The generous soul of nature & the comforting arm of night.
The wisdom of the ages and the power of the eagle’s flight,
The joy of a morning in spring & the faith of a mustard seed,
The patience of eternity & the depth of a family need,
Then God combined these qualities,
When there was nothing more to add,
He knew His masterpiece was complete,
And so, He called it – ‘dad!’
By Unknown
Memories Of My Dad
He wasn’t a hero,
Known by the world.
But a hero he was,
To his little girl.
My daddy was God,
Who knew all things.
And better than Santa,
With the gifts he’d bring.
I knew his voice,
Before I could speak.
And loved it when,
He would sing me to sleep.
He changed my diapers,
And sat up all night.
When my body was weak
And I’d put up a fight.
He’d come home late,
With not much to say.
And made us all kneel,
As he taught me to pray.
He taught me life’s lessons,
Of right from wrong.
And instilled in me values,
That I might be strong.
And so through the years,
Like a hero he stood.
Working to give,
All that he could.
His presence was important,
And we loved to see him smile.
For no one in the world,
Could emulate his style.
And so dear Dad,
My best memory to recall.
Is the gift of your presence,
The greatest gift of all.
By Rebecca D. Cook
A Love Like No Other
From the time I was born
I guess you would know
Ten perfect fingers
Ten little toes
When you first put your finger in my tiny hand that’s when I first knew
You were my papa no one else would do
As I grow older
and reach for the sky
My Papa is still there
to keep that twinkle in my eye
When I need someone to hold me
you never say I’m too big
You pick me up and squeeze me
and whisper you’re my little kid
Most other people don’t understand me
or maybe just not as well
That’s why you’re the one I run to
when I have something to tell
I love you Papa
as you can see
I’m so glad
that you’re a part of me
By Paula M. Newman
As We Look Back
As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering…
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us..
To celebrate our successes
To understand our problems
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made.
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us.
By Unknown
A Successful Man
That man is a success –
who has lived well, laughed often and loved much;
who has gained the respect of intelligent men and the love of children;
who has filled his niche and accomplished his task;
who leaves the world better than he found it;
who has never lacked appreciation of earth’s beauty or failed to express it;
who looked for the best in others and gave the best he had.
By Bessie Anderson Stanley
You Were There
You were there when we took our first steps,
And went unsteadily across the floor.
You pushed and prodded: encouraged and guided,
Until our steps took us out the door
You worry now “Are they ok?”
Is there more you could have done?
As we walk the paths of our unknown
You wonder “Where have my children gone?”
Where we are is where you have led us,
With your special love you showed us a way,
To believe in ourselves and the decisions we make.
Taking on the challenge of life day-to-day.
And where we go you can be sure,
In spirit you shall never be alone.
For where you are is what matters most to us,
Because to us that will always be home
By Unknown
Fathers are Wonderful People
Fathers are wonderful people
Too little understood,
And we do not sing their praises
As often as we should…
For, somehow, Father seems to be
The man who pays the bills,
While Mother binds up little hurts
And nurses all our ills…
And Father struggles daily
To live up to “HIS IMAGE”
As protector and provider
And “hero or the scrimmage” …
And perhaps that is the reason
We sometimes get the notion,
That Fathers are not subject
To the thing we call emotion,
But if you look inside Dad’s heart,
Where no one else can see
You’ll find he’s sentimental
And as “soft” as he can be…
But he’s so busy every day
In the grueling race of life,
He leaves the sentimental stuff
To his partner and his wife…
But Fathers are just WONDERFUL
In a million different ways,
And they merit loving compliments
And accolade of praise,
For the only reason Dad aspires
To fortune and success
Is to make the family proud of him
And to bring them happiness…
And like our heavenly father,
He’s a guardian and a guide,
Someone that we can count on
To be always on our side.
By Helen Steiner Rice
Memories of Dad
We do not need a special day to bring you to our minds.
The days we do not think of you are very hard to find.
Each morning when we awake we know that you are gone.
And no one knows the heartache as we try to carry on.
Our hearts still ache with sadness and secret tears still flow.
What it meant to lose you no one will ever know.
Our thoughts are always with you, your place no one can fill.
In life we loved you dearly; in death we love you still.
There will always to be a heartache, and often a silent tear.
But always a precious memory of the days when you were here.
If tears would make a staircase, and heartaches make a lane,
We’d walk the path to heaven and bring you home again.
We hold you close within our hearts; and there you will remain,
To walk with us throughout our lives until we meet again.
Our family chain is broken now, and nothing seems the same,
By Unknown
Father
He never made a fortune, or a noise
In the world where men are seeking after fame;
But he had a healthy brood of girls and boys
Who loved the very ground on which he trod.
They thought him just little short of God;
Oh you should have heard the way they said his name –
‘Father.’
There seemed to be a loving little prayer
In their voices, even when they called him ‘Dad.’
Though the man was never heard of anywhere,
As a hero, yet somehow understood
He was doing well his part and making good;
And you knew it, by the way his children had
Of saying ‘Father.’
He gave them neither eminence nor wealth,
But he gave them blood untainted with a vice,
And opulence of undiluted health.
He was honest, and unpurchable and kind;
He was clean in heart, and body, and in mind.
So he made them heirs to riches without price –
This father.
He never preached or scolded; and the rod –
Well, he used it as a turning pole in play.
But he showed the tender sympathy of God.
To his children in their troubles, and their joys.
He was always chum and comrade with his boys,
And his daughters – oh, you ought to hear them say
‘Father.’
Now I think of all achievements ‘tis the least
To perpetuate the species; it is done
By the insect and the serpent, and the beast.
But the man who keeps his body, and his thought,
Worth bestowing on an offspring love-begot,
Then the highest earthly glory he was won,
When in pride a grown-up daughter or a son
Says ‘That’s Father.’
By Ella Wheeler Wilcox
God’s Garden
God looked around his garden- And found an empty place,
He then looked down upon the earth- And saw your tired face.
He put his arms around you -And lifted you to rest.
God’s garden must be beautiful -He always takes the best.
He knew that you were suffering -He knew you were in pain.
He knew that you would never – Get well on earth again.
He saw the road was getting rough – And the hills were hard to climb.
So he closed your weary eyelids – And whispered, ‘Peace be thine’.
It broke our hearts to lose you – But you didn’t go alone,
For part of us went with you – The day God called you home
By Unknown
From a Dads Perspective
These poems look at death from the perspective of the father who has passed away. In many cases they are speaking in the dads voice and are reassuring that everything will be ok.
Family Tree
A limb has fallen from the family tree
I hear a voice that whispers, ‘Grieve not for me’
Remember the best times, the laughter, the songs
The good I lived while I was strong
Continue my heritage, I’m counting on you
Keep on smiling, the sun will shine through.
My mind is at ease, my soul is at rest
Remembering all…how I was truly blessed
Continue traditions, no matter how small
Go on with your lives, don’t stare at the wall
I miss you all dearly so keep up your chin
Until that fine day we’re together again.
By Unknown
Last Journey
There is a train at the station
With a seat reserved just for me
I’m excited about its destination
As I’ve heard it sets you free
The trials and tribulations
The pain and stress we breathe
Don’t exist were I am going
Only happiness I believe
I hope that you will be there
To wish me on my way
It’s not a journey you can join in
It’s not your time today
There’ll be many destinations
Some are happy, some are sad
Each one a brief reminder
Of the great times that we’ve had
Many friends I know are waiting
Who took an earlier train
To greet and reassure me
That nothing has really changed
We’ll take the time together
To catch up on the past
To build a new beginning
One that will always last
One day you’ll take your journey
On the train just like me
And I promise that I’ll be there
At the station and you will see
That Life is just a journey
Enriched by those you meet
No one can take that from you
It’s always yours to keep’
But now as no seat is vacant
You will have to muddle through
Make sure you fulfill your ambitions
As you know I’ll be watching you
And if there’s an occasion
To mention who you knew
Speak kindly of that person
As one day it will be you
Now U can’t except this ending
And as it’s time for me to leave
Please make haste to the reception
To enjoy my drinks, they’re free!
By Timothy Coote
Weep Not For Me
Weep not for me though I have gone
Into that gentle night
Grieve if you will, but not for long
Upon my soul’s sweet flight
I am at peace, my soul’s at rest
There is no need for tears
For with your love I was so blessed
For all those many years
There is no pain, I suffer not
The fear is now all gone
Put now these things out of your thoughts
In your memory I live on
Remember not my fight for breath
Remember not the strife
Please do not dwell upon my death
But celebrate my life
By Unknown
Crossing The Bar
Sunset and evening star,
And one clear call for me!
And may there be no moaning of the bar,
When I put out to sea,
But such a tide as moving seems asleep,
Too full for sound and foam,
When that which drew from out the boundless deep
Turns again home.
Twilight and evening bell,
And after that the dark!
And may there be no sadness of farewell,
When I embark;
For tho' from out our bourne of Time and Place
The flood may bear me far,
I hope to see my Pilot face to face
When I have crossed the bar.”
Alfred Lord Tennyson
Looking Back
I might have been rich if I'd wanted the gold instead of the friendships I've made.
I might have had fame if I'd sought for renown in the hours when I purposely played.
Now I'm standing to-day on the far edge of life, and I'm just looking backward to see
What I've done with the years and the days that were mine, and all that has happened to me.
I haven't built much of a fortune to leave to those who shall carry my name,
And nothing I've done shall entitle me now to a place on the tablets of fame.
But I've loved the great sky and its spaces of blue; I've lived with the birds and the trees;
I've turned from the splendor of silver and gold to share in such pleasures as these.
I've given my time to the children who came; together we've romped and we've played,
And I wouldn't exchange the glad hours spent with them for the money that I might have made.
I chose to be known and be loved by the few, and was deaf to the plaudits of men;
And I'd make the same choice should the chance come to me to live my life over again.
I've lived with my friends and I've shared in their joys, known sorrow with all of its tears;
I have harvested much from my acres of life, though some say I've squandered my years.
For much that is fine has been mine to enjoy, and I think I have lived to my best,
And I have no regret, as I'm nearing the end, for the gold that I might have possessed.
By Edgar A Guest
As We Look Back
As we look back over time
We find ourselves wondering. . .
Did we remember to thank you enough
For all you have done for us?
For all the times you were by our sides
To help and support us,
To celebrate our successes,
To understand our problems,
And accept our defeats?
Or for teaching us by your example,
The value of hard work, good judgment,
Courage and integrity?
We wonder if we ever thanked you
For the sacrifices you made
To let us have the very best?
And for the simple things
Like laughter, smiles and times we shared?
If we have forgotten to show our
Gratitude enough for all the things you did,
We’re thanking you now.
And we are hoping you knew all along,
How much you meant to us
By Unknown
Happy the Man
Happy the man, and happy he alone,
He who can call today his own:
He who, secure within, can say,
Tomorrow do thy worst, for I have lived today.
Be fair or foul or rain or shine
The joys I have possessed, in spite of fate, are mine.
Not Heaven itself upon the past has power,
But what has been, has been, and I have had my hour.
by John Dryden
Famous Poems
These are Poems that deal with death and grief by some of the most famous poets of all time. They are fitting and appropriate for the funeral or in memory of a passed dad.
Psalm of Life
Lives of great men all remind us
We can make our lives sublime,
And, departing, leave behind us
Footprints on the sands of time;
Footprints, that perhaps another,
Sailing o'er life's solemn main,
A forlorn and shipwrecked brother,
Seeing, shall take heart again.
By Henry Longfellow
Requiem
Under the wide and starry sky
Dig the grave and let me lie.
Glad did I live, and gladly die,
And I laid me down with a will.
This be the verse you grave for me:
Here he lies where he longed to be;
Home is the sailor, home from the sea,
And the hunter home from the hill.
By Robert Louis Stevenson
Prospice
Fear death?—to feel the fog in my throat,
The mist in my face,
When the snows begin, and the blasts denote
I am nearing the place,
The power of the night, the press of the storm,
The post of the foe;
Where he stands, the Arch Fear in a visible form,
Yet the strong man must go:
For the journey is done and the summit attained,
And the barriers fall,
Though a battle’s to fight ere the guerdon be gained,
The reward of it all.
I was ever a fighter, so—one fight more,
The best and the last!
I would hate that death bandaged my eyes, and forbore,
And bade me creep past.
No! let me taste the whole of it, fare like my peers
The heroes of old,
Bear the brunt, in a minute pay glad life’s arrears
Of pain, darkness and cold.
For sudden the worst turns the best to the brave,
The black minute’s at end,
And the elements’ rage, the fiend-voices that rave,
Shall dwindle, shall blend,
Shall change, shall become first a peace out of pain,
Then a light, then thy breast,
O thou soul of my soul! I shall clasp thee again,
And with God be the rest!
By Robert Browning
What I Call Living
The miser thinks he's living when he's hoarding up his gold;
The soldier calls it living when he's doing something bold;
The sailor thinks it living to be tossed upon the sea,
And upon this vital subject no two of us agree.
But I hold to the opinion, as I walk my way along,
That living's made of laughter and good-fellowship and song.
I wouldn't call it living always to be seeking gold,
To bank all the present gladness for the days when I'll be old.
I wouldn't call it living to spend all my strength for fame,
And forego the many pleasures which to-day are mine to claim.
I wouldn't for the splendor of the world set out to roam,
And forsake my laughing children and the peace I know at home.
Oh, the thing that I call living isn't gold or fame at all!
It's good-fellowship and sunshine, and it's roses by the wall;
It's evenings glad with music and a hearth fire that's ablaze,
And the joys which come to mortals in a thousand different ways.
It is laughter and contentment and the struggle for a goal;
It is everything that's needful in the shaping of a soul.
By Edgar A Guest
If
If you can keep your head when all about you
Are losing theirs and blaming it on you;
If you can trust yourself when all men doubt you,
But make allowance for their doubting too:
If you can wait and not be tired by waiting,
Or, being lied about, don't deal in lies,
Or being hated don't give way to hating,
And yet don't look too good, nor talk too wise;
If you can dream – and not make dreams your master;
If you can think – and not make thoughts your aim,
If you can meet with Triumph and Disaster
And treat those two impostors just the same:.
If you can bear to hear the truth you've spoken
Twisted by knaves to make a trap for fools,
Or watch the things you gave your life to, broken,
And stoop and build'em up with worn-out tools;
If you can make one heap of all your winnings
And risk it on one turn of pitch-and-toss,
And lose, and start again at your beginnings,
And never breathe a word about your loss:
If you can force your heart and nerve and sinew
To serve your turn long after they are gone,
And so hold on when there is nothing in you
Except the Will which says to them: “Hold on!”
If you can talk with crowds and keep your virtue,
Or walk with Kings – nor lose the common touch,
If neither foes nor loving friends can hurt you,
If all men count with you, but none too much:
If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds' worth of distance run,
Yours is the Earth and everything that's in it,
And, which is more, you'll be a Man, my son!
by Rudyard Kipling
Epitaph on a Friend
An honest man here lies at rest,
The friend of man, the friend of truth;
The friend of age, and guide of youth:
Few hearts like his, with virtue warm’d,
Few heads with knowledge so inform’d:
If there’s another world, he lives in bliss;
If there is none, he made the best of this.
Robert Burns
These are just a selection of the poems that we think do well at summing up how important our fathers are.
Hopefully one of the poems will have struck the right chord for you and been fitting for your dads funeral.