Poetry Explorer- Classic Contemporary Poetry, MESSAGE TO MY FATHER, by MARION DOYLE


Poetry Explorer

Classic and Contemporary Poetry

MESSAGE TO MY FATHER, by                    
First Line: Once, on a long-gone evening, you and I
Last Line: Punctually, despite your being -- lame.
Alternate Author Name(s): Doyle, Marion Stauffer
Subject(s): Travel; Journeys; Trips


Once, on a long-gone evening, you and I
Walked quietly beneath the cinnabars,
Orchids and lapis of a sunset sky,
And watched the lighting, one by one, of stars.
A score of childish questions brought a smile
Upon your Pan-like mouth that rarely smiled,
And lifting me upon the broken stile,
Your mind went questing words to suit a child:
You said, "The stars are stepping stones to God,
And this, our little world that seems so great,
Is just another -- one that must be trod
And left for others' footing -- soon or late --"

"But stars seem far apart for stepping stones!
I think we'll need the Giant's seven-league boots."

"Yes. Seven-league boots -- and all your father owns
Are something less than Average Size computes."

Ten years you've journeyed, and I have no way
Of knowing how time's measured where you are;
Whether you've passed Orion and Er Rai
Or stand upon some yet undreamed-of star;
Wherever you are, I send this word to you
By wind or passing meteor or flame:
The ignorant child who begged the planets' story
Has learned, at last, your wistful allegory,
And has no doubt you've kept each rendezvous
Punctually, despite your being -- lame.





Discover our Poem Explanations and Poet Analyses!


Other Poems of Interest...
Home: PoetryExplorer.net