What actually is ‘father’? Solely the husband of mother?

Or an expected breadwinner, acting also as grand overseer;

Of family so tender, with issues small and greater;

Always attempting to gather, enough funds for breather?

Is he an ATM machine, dishing cash sans engine?

By request without touch-screen, especially from teens;

Of quite similar genes, with no limits to wean;

Ever ready on scene, ne’er a moment so mean!

Heavy with responsibilities, accustomed to accountability;

For each member of family, also at job station primarily;

Provides comfort sturdily, ensures education succinctly;

Hoping children ultimately, will attain success eventually!

Helped conceived them, present during birth mayhem;

Learnt tasks unaccustomed, trying to assist Madam;

In wiping soiled bottoms, handling night-wailing symptom;

Managed to overcome boredom, by concocting milk seldom!  

Saw children growing, tried his best to be accompanying;

Their kindy years eschewing, their primary schooling;

Always ever-ready for funding, ensuring ‘em focussing;

On sight of achieving, pinnacle of studies rewarding!

Teenage years rather challenging, for dad not acclimatising;

With current trends developing, appearance quite threatening;

Has to be smart-managing, concurrently firm disciplining;

For the good of offspring, though they may not be favouring!

At same time caring, for spouse so endearing;

With love un-requiting, with compassion so touching;

Blooming romance enticing, for one singular being;

In return simply asking, for comfort and loving!

Upon kids graduating, task still not completing;

Marriage-plans come ringing, more $ set for dishing;

Grand occasion organising, disappointed to see kids leaving;

To commence beginning, fresh life with spouse of choosing!

What does dad ask in return, for all he did and churned?

Not money that kids earn, nor wealth that they spurn;

But, simple acts of concern, indication of discern;

For wellbeing and yearn, to end life with dignity sans downturn!

Capt Abdul Aziz Abdullah is a father of two.