In Appreciation to a Special Father

by Cheryl Merrick

To a special father 

who shares with his children

his enthusiasm for life

as he leads them up

boulder strewn hills,

or takes them exploring 

the world one fun 

experiment at a time.

A father who

encourages them 

to savor both the flavors

of each dish created together,

and the sounds 

of good words read together.

Weaving

by Cheryl Merrick

Threads of love

His strains- strong, supportive, protective

Hers strains - concerned and nurturing

Each service of caring,

Each sacrifice of time or comfort,

Filling in the empty space, thread by strong thread

Giving meaning to their lives and

weaving their Tapestry of Love

A New Family is Born

by Cheryl Merrick

Mother soft with love

Father proudly protective

Baby cuddly and helpless

United in nurturing

A new family is born

Rejection

by Cheryl Merrick
Interpreting love
only in the language of hugs and emotional response,
the young man feels rejected
by his father.

Never seeing his father’s many attempts

Fatherhood

by Cheryl Merrick

It begins when he first holds
his tiny child in his arms.
No one has ever had such a need
for his protection.

As he teaches and cares for
his little son or daughter,
they both grow.

And slowly, through days of
bike rides, wrestling matches,
working together,