If... Poem by Denis Martindale

If you can get past her beauty and not get in a tizz,
Though it's uncommon beauty, accepting what it is,
Esteeming it God's gift to Man, for just one man to wed,
Then you'll do everything you can for what must lie ahead.

If she says things that make you smile, with innocence portrayed,
Respond in kind and make her smile, so memories never fade,
Regarding her, more than her age, each time she falls in love,
Protecting her at every stage till one love proves enough.

If you can like the guy she loves and wants to be his wife,
And not reach for some boxing gloves to stir up endless strife,
But meet him halfway, man to man, to grant him sage advice,
Perhaps you'll see God had a plan to make things turn out nice.

If you can give your girl away within the Church on time,
You'll make her smile that Wedding Day, so perfect, so sublime.
Yes, even though her eyes shed tears, it's obvious she's glad!
Yes, she will honour you for years, so proud that you're her Dad!


Denis Martindale.23rd of May 2026.


Here is a poem written by the Poemhunter poet Denis Martindale. It is written in May 2026, just before we spring into June, which is the month that's famously linked with beautiful, heartfelt romantic plans for a June Wedding.

The title is 'IF...'.

It's a gentle twist on the son theme of Rudyard Kipling's famous poem because this is the chance to show a great father at his best. At his precious daughter's wedding, he's not the best man, but in a way, he could be seen as the best father to her that he could ever be!