Fatherhood: June Poetry

Since May's poetry group chose Motherhood as a theme, I guess it shouldn't be surprising that for June we chose to tackle Fatherhood. And although I have more experience with motherhood than fatherhood, that's never stopped me from having something to say about any the subject. 

This will be my second Father's Day since we lost my dad to Alzheimer's. I can't believe it's been that long. Even more amazing is that it has been 12 years since losing my stepfather to Multiple Myeloma. When it comes to loss, it seems that time marches on all while standing completely still. Missing someone can be an everyday thing, but it is truly highlighted on certain occasions and for a father and a beloved step-father, Father's Day is one of them.

I will remember both of these men in my own way this Sunday, but that will be private. So for this Fatherhood post I've decided to write a poem to the other father in my life, the father of my children. 

Fatherhood

Here's to you, a Dad of two.
Entered fatherhood without a clue,
Never again to own anything new,
have all your clothes smell like pee-yew. 

But you embraced it with a smile,
endless diapers, smell most vile,
marker on financial file,
countless bottles, toppling pile.

No's the word, they disagree.
Temper tantrums for all to see.
Screaming, crying (wait, that's me).
Ear plugs, honey, that's the key. 

Growing, maturing . . . finally?
No such luck, attitude crappy,
"didn't do it, wasn't me"
And yet, dear, you still did not flee.

Driving cars and out all night,
Broken bones, stitches, (no gunfight).
Teenage years no great delight,
Surviving can take all your might.

So . . .

Once a year we honor your skill,
no work today for you to fulfill.
Just celebrate. Eat, drink your fill.
Hell, I'll even man the grill.

Grilled Sriracha Chipotle Ranch Chicken

Marinade

'Cause fatherhood,
it's done you good.
Having given 
all you could.
Now rewarded. 
As you should.

PS: Only I can make a Fatherhood post about me, but Happy Blogiversary to Baking In A Tornado. I've been blogging for the big bucks kicks and giggles for 5 years today.

Before you go, click on these links to more poetry by some of my friends: 


Dawn of Spatulas on Parade shares My Boys are Dads. 

Lydia of Cluttered Genius shares Daddy Wins. 

Diane of On The Border shares Putting the "Father" in Fatherhood. 
 Sarah of Not That Sarah Michelle shares For My Husband.
 

Grilled Sriracha Chipotle Ranch Chicken

                                                                          ©www.BakingInATornado.com
 
Printable Recipe
 
Ingredients:
3 large boneless, skinless chicken breasts
1/2 cup chipotle ranch salad dressing
1/3 cup olive oil
1 TBSP sriracha sauce
1/2 tsp salt
1 tsp black pepper
1 tsp cumin 
2 cloves crushed garlic
1 tsp honey

Directions:
*Clean, trim and cut each chicken breast into 3 - 4 pieces of similar thickness. 
*Mix the rest of the ingredients together and pour into a freezer bag. Add the chicken and manipulate so all the chicken is coated.
*Place the chicken in the refrigerator overnight. Turn the bag over now and then.
*Spray your cold grill with nonstick spray. Heat grill. Place the chicken onto the hot grill and discard the remaining marinade. 
*Grill approximately 10 minutes per side or until the chicken is completely cooked.