happy father’s day to all those who would swim as far as was needed in any storm.

June 20, 2010 in Uncategorized

This is my 30th Father's Day without my father. For him, this poem. This perfect father's day poem. A poem that reminds me not only of Daddy–swimming as far as was needed–but also of Mr Brilliant, a brilliant father with a heart as big as the ocean, a man who swims the storm for these two girls, always.

With Kit, Age 7, at the Beach

We would climb the highest dune,
from there to gaze and come down:
the ocean was performing;
we contributed our climb.

Waves leapfrogged and came
straight out of the storm.
What should our gaze mean?
Kit waited for me to decide.

Standing on such a hill,
what would you tell your child?
That was an absolute vista.
Those waves raced far, and cold.

“How far could you swim, Daddy,
in such a storm?"
"As far as was needed," I said,
and as I talked, I swam.

-William Stafford

(My thanks to Cary Cooper for pointing me to this poem.)

About Patti Digh

Patti Digh is an author, speaker, and educator who builds learning communities and gets to the heart of difficult topics. Her work over the last three decades has focused on diversity, inclusion, social justice, and living and working mindfully. She has developed diversity strategies and educational programming for major nonprofit and corporate organizations and has been a featured speaker at many national and international conferences.

4 comments to " happy father’s day to all those who would swim as far as was needed in any storm. "


Fabeku Fatunmise

June 20, 2010 AT 11:37AM

Sweet pictures. Good memories. Beautiful poem.

Thanks Patti.

This is my 16th Father’s Day without Dad. I’m thinking about him lots. Smiles. Tears. All of it.

Here’s to the people who swim for us.

Terry Hartley

June 20, 2010 AT 12:34PM

Thank you, Patti. 9th Father’s Day without my dad. He swam with a sure and steady stroke for the first 49 years of my life. I miss him so very much. He drove 32 miles one night just to come fix the faucet drip that had turned into a steady flow. No hesitation when he heard my teary frustrated voice on the phone. Said, “Sleep tight, don’t let the bedbugs bite,” and turned around and drove back home.

gwyn

June 20, 2010 AT 1:05PM

This is my 39th year since Dad had to leave. He swam for me till he could not. Made me tear up a bit. Really simply beautiful. Happy Fathers Day to John. Thanks

On a limb with Claudia

June 20, 2010 AT 6:06PM

I’ve never thought of it this way, but it’s the 8th Father’s day without my father. That’s a brilliant way to celebrate/honor your father, Mr. Brilliant, and mine.