POEM: A call to Daddy from a year-old son

Hello Daddy

Today is my first birthday

Thank you for the reproduction

I know you wanted me to come on the 21^st

But well dodged; I rather chose 22^nd

‘Cos I come to be greater than you

Mum says I’m her Little Prince
but I know I’m Daddy's Big King

Dad, from the day I arrived, your eyes glee daily

I see you run around to cater for my needs

I see you awake deep in the night; staring at me sleep

You worry when I refuse to eat

You worry about mum when I refuse to let her sleep

You worry the more when I get fixated to her breast

You say the contract was for six months; but I’ve extended to two years

Please allow, Grandma says you did the worse

Scattering your room in the past 12months has been fun

I wonder why you’ve kept most of your valuables from my reach

Forget you not that I’m your heir apparent

Dad, I intentionally refuse to sleep in my cot

Sharing the bed with you and mum is my pastime

I see you vexed when the weather is cozy for you two

But I know my days are numbered in that position

You both will soon kick me out of your bed

Of late, mum gets jealous when I leap from her arms to welcome you

I love to place my head on your chest in passionate embrace

Your strong cuddle gives me confidence to face this life

But please don’t cry when I get sick

The sad sight of your heart makes me recover too soon

Daddy, I hear your daily conversation with the Most High

To bless me, to live in the fear of the Almighty

I promise to stay in the House of the Lord forever

I feel your love for mum

That makes me love you the more

Tell mum I love her very much too

Like you, I want to live to love

Dad, it’s now time to call mum

You know my chat with her will last all day long

So, I’ll be waiting for you to send me more airtime

God bless you daddy!

Bye…

©Kofi Adu Domfeh

(A poem to celebrate the first birthday of my son, Kwaku Gyeabour Domfeh)