My Children
By DP
Daddy is here for you and it might not be in the flesh
I pray everyday life will offer you its best
You might can’t see me but I know you feel my presence
Love has no boundary and my love is endless
Take my comfort and use it as your shield
My children, loving is the only way my aching heart will heal
Searching for the right words to ease my hurt
I cherish the day I witness your birth.
Don’t ever think I ran away
Daddy obligated to a debt that he must pay
I hold on dearly to your first steps and very 1st words “Dad Dad”
I wish I could hug you so our souls could merge
Sorry for my absence so please don’t be mad
I carry you in my heart now that’s a father bag
Gotta make up and fill in the blanks
Just a little stumbling block got in the way
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The poets featured here are currently incarcerated, and many of them are in federal prisons far from home. Your feedback is a valuable source of motivation and connection to the outside community. Post your comments, feedback, and encouragement in the space below the poem. Messages will be passed on directly to the author. Comments may not appear immediately on the site, as our team processes them to mail to the poets.
Hello DP,
Whoa, what a poem of connection and regret. Beautiful to pray “life will offer you its best.” You are with your children, heart and soul, despite the stumbling block that got in the way. This is a poem and a prayer. Thank you for sharing yourself.
Lindy
Hi there, DP,
I think it’s every parent’s nightmare to be separated from their child no matter the circumstance. A very powerful message here can really feel the pain and regret you’re going through. My prayers to you brother and I’m sure that you’ll try and be the best Dad when you return.
Sincerely, Garrett, GR
HI DP,
Thank you for sharing your raw words and feelings. When I read your poem I felt connected to one of my favorite quotes that goes “what to do with all this pain? Wash it clean with love.” I feel like your words conveyed this- that you feel the ache of missing your children but you are choosing to help wash that pain by continuing to love them the best you can right now. That is admirable. Thank you for sharing
Erica
Hello DP,
Reading this poem, you can just feel the strong connection you have to your children. My main emotion reading this poem was bittersweet. You love, care, think deeply, and miss your children (the sweet part for me) but at the same time you mentioned you are paying off a debt (the bitter part). You are doing the best you can for your children at the moment I can see that in your words. I hope your children feel it in their hearts. Thank you for opening up.
Hi DP,
Thank you for sharing this. I found it to be powerful when I realized you do not yet have children, but are already thinking of them and feeling this love. I am proud of you for feeling love and not anger, and that exact attitude and mindset is what will make you a great father.
Hello DP,
this poem really touched my heart. I was lingering on every word, and I could feel your hurt and the love you carry with you. It made me feel joy, and sadness, and hurt, and I was left wanting the best for you and your family. I admire the care and love you have for your children, and there will never be the right words for missing them as they are a part of you. As you said it, love has no boundary and it is endless. There were many lines that struck me, such as “Just a little stumbling block that got in the way”. It left my heart feeling a little empty. I may not know your life or your struggles, but the piece of you that you left here with us is beautifully written and we can feel your emotions and your passion. Thank you for this poem, and I admire your transparency and strength to write this.
Hi DP! This poem is beautiful! Love truly has no bounds and is endless no matter the circumstance. I can truly feel the love you have for your children radiating from this poem, and I’m sure they feel your love as well. I can’t begin to understand the pain your experiencing that is caused from being away from you children. Thank you so much for sharing your feelings and work, this is truly incredible.
Maddix
Hi DP,
Thank you so much for sharing this with us. This poem made me tear up a little. Sometimes it is very hard to get strong emotions out of a poem, but you did just that. You can feel how much you wish you could see them and be with them. I. love the line, “Don’t ever think I ran away, Daddy obligated to a debt that he must pay.” I can feel this so heavily. Thank you for sharing this.
Kaylee
This poem was full of such deep emotion and devotion, and I feel like I can really understand your struggles through this. Thank you for sharing such a vulnerable part of you. Keep going, using your love as fuel to make it through.
It is amazing to be able to feel the emotion behind the poem. It can be hard to admit that you regret something but being able to admit it and make a change in yourself is a great accomplishment. Recognize mistakes and move forward. Keep pushing for your children.
Dear DP,
I’m sure your kid misses and loves you so much. Praying is going to get you a long way. One day you’ll be able to find your kid again, always have hope. God always has a plan, no matter what. Wishing you the best of luck.
This poem made me feel everything going through this person and how it is effecting their family and friends.
DP,
Thank you so much for sharing your poem, it is beautifully written. Your emotion and care for your kids does not go unnoticed through your words. Thank you for sharing your raw emotions. The fact that you are putting in so much effort to make sure your kids know your love is there and will never fade is admirable. Your kids are lucky to have you as their parent.
-MM
DP, you so clearly care for your children in a way that every man should care for their kids. Your children are blessed to have the role model you are in their lives. I can tell through your words, that one day they will tell their kids about the man who gave them the love that shielded them from other’s pain.
This poem is deeply touching and beautifully captures the love and commitment of a parent, despite physical separation. The imagery of love transcending boundaries and serving as a shield is both powerful and heartwarming! Longing to be present for your children and your determination to make amends shines through and leaves a lasting impression of resilience and unconditional love.
DP- Your love for your children comes through this poem so powerfully. Your children are lucky to have a father who cares so deeply for them. Keep sharing your example of love, the world needs more of it.
This poem really hit me with its strong emotions and the idea of a father’s love even when he can’t be there in person. I felt the longing in his words, especially when he talks about love having no boundaries—it shows how much he cares, no matter the distance. The part about carrying his kids in his heart was really powerful, making me think about how complicated relationships can be, but how love can still keep you connected.
How important a father’s role is in a child’s life. this poem is telling such a riveting and profound tale to the point it touches my spirit in a proactive way. I hope this story lifts the spirit of every father who reads it. To know they’re doing their best and that a father’s duty is eternal and never over. I appreciate you and your commitment.
Your poem is full of love and deep emotion. It’s clear how much you care for your children and the pain of being apart. The way you express your love and regret is powerful and heartfelt. Thank you for sharing this beautiful message—it’s a reminder of the bond that can never be broken, no matter the distance.
This poem is so heartfelt and full of love. It really shows the deep connection between a father and his children, even from a distance. The way you express your love and regret for not being there physically, but still being present in spirit, is really moving. I love the line, “I carry you in my heart now that’s a father bag.” It shows the strength and weight of love a parent holds, even in tough circumstances. Your vulnerability in saying “sorry for my absence” and the desire to make up for lost time really hits home. Your words are full of emotion and honesty, and they reflect a love that is truly endless. Keep writing, your heart and love for your children come through so strongly in your words.
I can feel the emotion in your lines. Beautiful work!
Your words are full of love and regret, showing the deep connection and commitment you feel for your children. Even in your absence, your love remains strong, and the promise to be there for them in spirit is clear. Keep holding onto the memories and moments you’ve shared, knowing that your heart will always be with them. The journey may be difficult, but your dedication and love will help you overcome the challenges and fill in the gaps. This is a deep poem and so inspiring! Thanks for sharing!
It makes me think about how powerful the bond is between a parent and child, and how deeply separation can affect someone The imagery you put out, such brilliance, such expressive feeling. Great work writer.
What a beautiful poem. It was so touching. Thank you for sharing your feelings for your children. The bond that fathers and children share is so unique. Your protection and care for your children shines through your poem. Beautifully written.
Reading your poem, I can’t imagine how you feel being away from your children! Writing any poem opens being vulnerable but something about when it is your kids just hits different and makes it extra vulnerable. If there is one thing, I can tell you is that your children know you love them to the moon and back no matter where you are. You opened a lot of emotion here which isn’t always easy for someone to do. You sent a powerful message with it and it was a touching one! Good job on writing the poem and thank you for opening with your feelings and vulnerability!
This poem is so heart-warming yet so hear-breaking. I like how it states the hope-ness you have of seeing him one day while you are waiting to get out, but still heart-broken for the absence of your child. It must be aching the hearts of both sides, as the child wishes that he could see his dad and feel him in his presence, while you wish to give him your presence when incarceration is in the way of it. This poem shows unconditional and a very strong love that nothing could get in the way of, no matter what happens. I could not imagine how either side feels in this particular situation, but I can sure feel how much care and love there is for this child coming from his father. Excellent work!
what a beautiful message to your children, I hope they see it!