And I Grew Poem by Annaya The Poet

A Special Poem for Father’s Day

Remembering my childhood as I reflect back on the past
From my 1st steps to my 1st words “Da-Da” I grew fast
You were there for me, when I’d fall down and cry
You’d pick me up, brush me off and say, “Oh, you’re not going to die”
Looking back at the times you picked me up from school
I was so happy when everyone commented, “Your Dad is so cool”
Made me stick out my chest, feeling better than the rest
Because I knew my Dad…he was the very, very best!
And I grew-into a little girl.

It was cute how I’d wait up for you to get home from work each night
And if you came home late, I’d be sitting on the sofa with eyes so bright
Waiting to hear a bedtime story about how you walked 13 miles to school
In the snow sometimes not knowing when you’d eat your next food
I must’ve heard those same stories over 1,000 times
So many times that I’d memorized your next line
And you knew ME, your little girl just as well too
You’d ask when I was sad, “Little girl, what’s wrong with you? ”
And I grew-into a teenager!

I grew with you in my life being my backbone
As my Father it was you teaching me how to grow up strong
You led me to Christ at a very young age
And it was your guidance that I trusted as I turned life’s page
You helped me create my life story day by day
Guiding me to greatness in your own Fatherly way
Always speaking with tenderness, kindness and care
With confidence, firmly vowing to always be there
Without you, Daddy who knows where I’d be
Secretly you were the one keeping those boys away from me
Behind the scenes it was you scaring them away
When all along I was thinking, “What did I say? ”
And I grew-into a young lady!



You built the 1st image I had of a man
A gentleman and gentle man with a master plan.
Respectable and respectful to anyone you’d meet
Never bored or boring letting grass grow under your feet
Not one sad day did you ever complain about,
Even in your last days…not one day did you pout
Angry about the little things...no not My Dad
Just shrugged them off…and said “Be happy, not sad
For to live each day is a blessing true
And nothing comes before you loving you…except God.”
Now you can stick your chest out proud as can be
Raising your girl to adulthood-That’s me!
And I grew-into a woman! Thanks to my Dad.

Dad knows not the influence he’s had in my life
Teaching me how handle triumphs and strife
Showing me the way by just living his life his thru
Being a true man and leaving an impact too
With a voice so strong I still hear in my heart
With patience he taught me how to play my part
My mentor, my confidant, my friend, my hero
Far greater than any other man I know
Always there to pick up my broken pieces
Perseverance and determination are things he teaches
In life sometimes we win and sometimes we lose
But our success depends solely on the paths we choose
And no matter the end result it’s always clear
God is our Father in heaven but our Dad is always near
From the times and days we’ve spent together
Just know that I am your child forever
And I love you Dad for being the man you are
You’ll always be very dear to my heart!

(Get this poem and more at Annaya's official website: www.annaya.net)