Fathers and Sons

Cherry

By luigi_pagano

Fri, 18 Dec 2015
  • 2305 reads
8 comments
 

He did what fathers do:
he bonded with his son.
Thinking the boy was keen
on pursuits piscatorial,
he bought a fishing rod
and took him to the river.

And there they the stood
for hours in cold weather
that caused them to shiver,
and never caught a fish.
But even so the kid was glad
as he believed that fishing
was his dear father’s wish
and the last thing he’d do
was disappoint his dad.

Yet his parent was dreaming
of being on the green
where he was about to sink
a golf ball for an albatross.

And the youngster too
had different ambitions;
he thought that angling
was a complete dead loss
and he’d rather be batting
like Alastair Cook.

They did become great pals
even though they mistook
each other’s inclination.

© Luigi Pagano 2015

Certificate U
Poem
Mutevoli pensieri
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on

It's always hard for young people trying to please a parent, when all they really want is to pursue their own activities.  A Father only wants what's best for his son, yet would rather be doing something completely different. You describe the difficult relationship perfectly in this poem Luigi.

Jenny. xx

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The generation gap very often reveals the different attitudes between children and parents regarding social or sporting habits and this can sometime result in the deterioration of their relationship unless they make a determined effort to meet half way. 

Many thanks for your feedback, Jenny.

Luigi xx

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Liked the play on their sacrifical desires to please each other, appreciated though not seeing the whole, and of course they probably would find it more difficult to play golf or cricket together! Fishing gives time for contemplation, I guess. Nice one. Rhiannon

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

You make a very valid point, Rhiannon. Certain activities are more difficult to be pursued by father and son together unless their interests coincide. A youngster would possibly eschew a sedentary occupation like fishing which his father would relish. For them to join in such endeavour, regardless of their own disposition is laudable and would also cement their relationship.

Luigi x

 

Submitted by catherine poarch on

I loved this! Missing the point with each other but muddling along anyway. I'd definitely pick batting with Alistair Cook!

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Thanks Catherine.
Graham Gooch was the one for my generation (both Essex men I notice).

Cheers, Luigi

 

Submitted by onemorething on

Oh this is so good. Such an interesting angle (no pun intended) to see the building of a strong relationship on the foundations of a mistaken belief of what the other enjoyed. A very loving poem. Rachel x

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

Hi Rachel, your appraisal gave me the chance to re-read this poem that seems to have stood the test of time. Your stamp of approval is an added bonus. Thanks.

Luigi x