7 Classic Poems for Fathers

Daughter standing on feet of father and dancing
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Fathers and fatherhood have been celebrated in poetry since ancient times. Discover 7 classic poems by, for, and about dads, and learn about the poets behind the words. Whether it's Father's Day, your dad's birthday, or another of life's milestones, you're sure to discover a new favorite poem on this list.

01
of 07

Su Tung-p'o: "On the Birth of His Son" (ca. 1070)

Su Tung- p'o (1037–1101), also known as Su Dongpo, was a diplomat who served during the Song Dynasty in China. He traveled widely and frequently used his experiences as a diplomat as inspiration for his poems. Su was also known for his calligraphy, artwork, and writing.


"... Only hope the baby will prove
Ignorant and stupid.
Then he will crown a tranquil life
By becoming a Cabinet Minister."
02
of 07

Robert Greene: "Sephesta’s Song to Her Child" (1589)

Robert Greene (1558–1592) was an English writer and poet who penned a number of famous plays and essays. This poem is from Greene's romantic novel "Menaphon," which chronicles the tale of the Princess Sephestia, who is shipwrecked upon an island. In this verse, she is singing a lullaby to her newborn child.

Excerpt:


"Weep not, my wanton, smile upon my knee,
When thou art old there's grief enough for thee.
Mother's wag, pretty boy,
Father's sorrow, father's joy..."
03
of 07

Anne Bradstreet: "To Her Father with Some Verses" (1678)

Anne Bradstreet (March 20, 1612–Sept. 16, 1672) holds the distinction of being the first published poet in North America. Bradstreet arrived at present-day Salem, Mass., in 1630, one of many Puritans seeking refuge in the New World. She found inspiration in her faith and family, including this poem, which honors her father.

Excerpt:


"Most truly honoured, and as truly dear,
If worth in me or ought I do appear,
Who can of right better demand the same
Than may your worthy self from whom it came? ..."
04
of 07

Robert Burns: "My Father Was a Farmer" (1782)

Scotland's national poet Robert Burns (Jan. 25, 1759–July 21, 1796) was a leading writer of the Romantic era and widely published during his lifetime. He wrote frequently of life in rural Scotland, celebrating its natural beauty and the people who lived there.

Excerpt:


"My father was a farmer upon the Carrick border, O,
And carefully he bred me in decency and order, O..."
05
of 07

William Blake: "The Little Boy Lost" (1791)

William Blake (Nov. 28, 1757–Aug. 12, 1827) was a British artist and poet who did not earn widespread acclaim until well after his death. Blake's illustrations of mythic beings, spirits, and other fantastic scenes were unorthodox for their era. This poem is part of a larger poetic children's book called "Songs of Innocence." 

Excerpt:


"Father, father, where are you going
O do not walk so fast.
Speak father, speak to your little boy
Or else I shall be lost..."
06
of 07

Edgar A. Guest: "Father" (1909)

Edgar Guest (Aug. 20, 1881–Aug. 5, 1959) was known as the "people's poet" for his optimistic verse that celebrated everyday life. Guest published more than 20 books, and his poetry appeared regularly in newspapers across the U.S.

Excerpt:


"My father knows the proper way
The nation should be run;
He tells us children every day
Just what should now be done..."
07
of 07

Rudyard Kipling: "If" (1895)

Rudyard Kipling (Dec. 30, 1865–Jan. 18, 1936) was a British writer and poet whose work was often inspired by his childhood in India and colonial politics of the Victorian era. This poem was written in honor of Leander Starr Jameson, a British explorer and colonial administrator, who was widely regarded as a role model for young boys of the day.

Excerpt:


"If you can fill the unforgiving minute
With sixty seconds’ worth of distance run—
Yours is the Earth and everything that’s in it,
And—which is more—you’ll be a Man, my son! ..."
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Snyder, Bob Holman & Margery. "7 Classic Poems for Fathers." ThoughtCo, Oct. 29, 2020, thoughtco.com/poems-for-fathers-4160538. Snyder, Bob Holman & Margery. (2020, October 29). 7 Classic Poems for Fathers. Retrieved from https://www.thoughtco.com/poems-for-fathers-4160538 Snyder, Bob Holman & Margery. "7 Classic Poems for Fathers." ThoughtCo. https://www.thoughtco.com/poems-for-fathers-4160538 (accessed March 19, 2024).