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Mark's Poem

Mark Space, one of the participants at the very first workshop 'Building memories of dad (and dad's family) for children', shyly read out a poem he'd composed during the afternoon session. He told the group that he had always wanted to write a poem for his son, but never found the right opportunity. What a privilege to share such an emotional moment, one amongst so many on that day.

'Who Am I?' by 'Mark Space' (not real name).

Who am I?
I am your dad above all else.
Before I was, I was many things.
Many tales to tell.
But now I'm your dad.
I always will be
And I love it
Because I love you.
You are a part of me
And I'm a part of you.
My flaws are yours,
I question authority like you do.
I've climbed the hills
And caved below.
I've sailed the seas
And dived below these.
I've hugged your mum
And some trees.
I've studied hard,
Well, hard enough.
I've travelled the world
And come back home.
I've explored through a lens
A life of discovery.
But I see clearer
through your eyes.
There's so much of my life
To open up to you:
My history, my fears,
My likes, my tears,
My arms, my ears.

Mark says:

"We need to find a way to show we are ordinary, but varied, people. The same people who had contrasting stereotypes applied to us before finding ourselves in our increasingly ordinary, but varied situations. Albeit with a lot more stress. I reckon, if people not in an FNF situation could imagine themselves in our position they would cherish time with their loved ones more."

Mark wrote a second poem in anticipation of the next workshop ('Cultivating our communication skills'). I'm sure many of you will recognise this situation!

Argue Meant

Another weary argument
A tired teary tournament
With your leery temperament
Clearly very vehement
And absolutely adamant
A monumental testament
So severely evident
But what was it that you meant?

Those at the second workshop gained insights into the complexities of communicating effectively, and how powerful really listening can be.

Today has given me the courage to continue to take risks (trying to relate to the ex), allow myself to be vulnerable. I shut down to protect the contact I’ve got. I won’t necessarily be immediately successful. But I’ll talk things through again.

For more information about the workshops, or to book your place on the next one, please contact garry.tinsley@fnf.org.uk

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