Be the father that is needed

More than your sexual prowess

an ambitious seed bolting to the finish line

laying claim to an egg

more than the surname signalling immortality

I left evidence of my existence

more than all the conscious or unconscious flexes with bravado pounding on the chest see me/applaud my manhood

more than anything is the child that sings out

daddy daddy daddy remain steadfast and guide be the example of commitment

son and daughter need you equally to be present in all ways in their lives

stand under the sun and shade of love

be the love that’s as enduring as yam

be present in the present and show up

constant as the sun gliding across the day

be the father who listens as well as directs who stands at the crossroads of life to ensure that your progeny has a path to walk and even if there’re brambles he will know how to navigate she will measure her strength against the magnitude of your consistent presence that is rock and soft place to shelter because you’re father and daddy protector and advocate modelling a love as perennial and revered

as the guango tree.

– Opal Palmer Adisa