Literature for Father’s Day

How about literature for Father’s Day instead of ties or dinner?

We know ties are a cliché and in a few years, Dad won’t remember one Father’s Day dinner from another. Let’s face it, not all literature is created equal -- some books are just as fleeting, though most would be a step up from a gift certificate and certainly would help support the industry that we believe important for the future. I’m proposing poetry.

First, you may have never given your father, grandfather, or a favorite father figure in your life a book of poetry. Thus, it will be memorable. A small book of poetry will also be flattering. He will appreciate being treated tenderly. In fact, present a small chapbook with a single rose or gladiolus spray. Who says that only women want romance and tenderness in their lives! You could write your own beautiful and unique poem.

You might choose to tuck it inside the cover of the Chapbook Imagining the Future: Ruminations on Fathers and Other Masculine Apparitions that Carolyn Howard-Johnson and I wrote for our Celebration Series of chapbooks. Our idea for this series is to have small books written for those who prefer something a little a little more literary than the typical greeting card, but still accessible for those who didn’t study literature in school. And at an affordable price. With cover art (and sometimes interior art) chosen from among our circle of talented writing and artist friends.

Most of our booklets are $6.95. In addition to our newist father oriented book, we now have one for mothers (She Wore Emerald Then: Reflections on Motherhood), one that says love (Cherished Pulse: Unconventional Love Poetry), and are currently working on one for Christmas. It will be called Blooming Red (drop me a line if you'd like a sample or two!)

Think of your poetry presentation to Dad as a Father’s Day card; it costs little more than one. Or think of it as a tuck-in gift or a tie-on as part of the wrap. Any poetry book you choose can be made more personal if you tie in a little grosgrain or satin ribbon inside the crease of the book to be used as a bookmark.
And don’t forget the hug.

Here is a sample poem from Imagining the Future, and if you're a father, happy Father's Day to you!

Horizon Scanning

Your eyes squint at glare
wavering between dreams

imaginary lines
or clear delineations

from this point
it’s not possible to judge

take a stand from your degraded platform
speaker’s corner cardboard soapbox

microwave radiation
blocking your ears

you can shout your head off
until everyone gathers

it won’t change reality
or will it?

28 billion light years
one edge to the other

there you are
explorer without a map

scratching your head
the horizon problem flakes those broad shoulders


Atlas in messy hair
and bell bottoms

every mystery you solve
invokes another.