Thank You Fathers

Thank you father

With a great heave

You plunged me into the icy deep of the lake

To learn how to swim

In a hot Ontario summer

Thank you father

With kicks and slaps

You got me up

To receive Jesus’ love

Early Sunday mornings

Thank you father

With confessionals and ten step programmes

You let them give up

Responsibilities and consequences

For the rest of their lives

Thank you fathers

With kisses and tears

You tore the boys up

After receiving your love

In the dark nights

Thank you father

With denials and edicts

You keep them from science and truth

So denying their bodies and minds

From your throne in the square

Thank you father

With a great heave

You plunged me into the icy deep of the lake

To learn how to swim

In a hot Ontario summer