As a father carries his son, all the way you went until you reached this place.
Deuteronomy 1:31

My father believes that children
Are God’s benevolence to a lineage
Treasures committed to their parents
So he lets himself shepherd them
Offering fortification & fortune

I’ve heard of fathers who bathe their children with curses
& then dry their future with a flaming tongue
But my father wakes up every morning
Breaks the dew of heaven on us
Greening us to greatness with his prayers—
Our shield against daily darts

Today, we are the celebrities he couldn’t become;
Giants the world applauds
But he, an unnamed hero who
Laid down his armour to watch us win
Oh, my father is such a jewel among other fathers!

– Ayooluwa Imisi
(c) 2024