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Previous Challenge Entry (Level 3 - Advanced)
Topic: Illustrate the meaning of "Actions Speak Louder than Words" (without using the actual phrase). (02/21/08)
A son of age met his father of old.
A man related, so I am told.
“I am you father,” he boasted with a smile
He shook my hand saying, “It’s been a while.”

“You’re looking good; no worse for the wear.”
I stand in silence and can only stare.
“I saw your mom, she’s looking great.
She’s the same as when we used to date.”

“What’s your line of work; do you have kids?
How long have you been married, where do you live?
Come and let’s sit; you can tell me your life.
Please tell me about you, your kids, and your wife.”

I look down the street and then into his eyes.
I speak the truth without malice or lies.
“I hated you for leaving us alone.
Needing to find yourself, we found you gone.

This bitterness grew to my mother’s shame
I began to hate even my given name.
But then God answered Mother’s praying hands
And rescued her son from his sinking sands.

Throughout the years He has never swayed.
Though good times and bad yet still he stayed.
God came to us full of kindness and love.
Because of His Son my name is written above.

I no longer hate you; I’ve forgiven your choice.”
He stands in silence; his eyes become moist.
“You left to find you but He found your son.
He took in a family where you found none.

I pray you have found happiness as I have known.
If you will allow Him, Christ can make you His own.
So please don’t feel guilty, embarrassed, or sad.
I would like to introduce you to my wonderful Dad.”
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This article has been read 1359 times
Member Comments
Member
Date
Joanne Sher 
02/29/08
I love the honesty of this, and the PERFECT title - as well as how wonderfully this piece exemplifies that title. That last line is just right!
Jan Ackerson
02/29/08
Lovely title and sentiment.

There's perhaps a bit of tweaking to be done on meter and tense, and on more complex rhymes.

I love the message, and the grace evidenced in the last stanza.
Beth LaBuff 
03/01/08
Your thoughts are so uplifting in this creative entry. Your opening sentence is perfect,”A son of age met his father of old.” I’m sure you’ve described the setting well -- meeting someone who was responsible for your existence, all the questions and catching up on years of life apart. Only God can remove the bitterness making what you describe possible. Your ending is beautiful (wonderful concept -- introducing your dad to your Dad). Great work!
Verna Cole Mitchell 
03/03/08
The sentiment in this poem is perfect. Two lines stand out to me:
Needing to find yourself, we found you gone.
and
He took in a family where you found none.
Those really get to the heart of your narrative.
Debbie Wistrom
03/03/08
I loved this sad tale. Many great thoughts, so well done. Keep writing.
c clemons
03/03/08
Just needs a little tweaking but overall good, keep writing.
Pat Guy
03/04/08
George, I love the FEEL of this ... the truth of emotion behind the words. I truly loved this ... it touches the reader.
Lynda Schultz 
03/04/08
Great last line. Yes, a few touches here and there to make it read more smoothly. Nonetheless, nicely done.
Jacquelyn Horne
03/04/08
Thought provoking.
Betty Castleberry
03/04/08
A case where the son is much wiser than the (earthly) dad. I enjoyed reading this. Well done.
Sara Harricharan
03/06/08
Hmmm, a very different twist here! I liked how the title tied in with the ending line. Very good. ^_^