Pride

by CJ Maleney   Sep 21, 2021


Well I guess I'm going to pride this year!
Because my daughter wants me there.
With my big bald head that is full of scars?
She simply does not care!

Not quite sure who she is yet,
And I think neither does she,
But it's my job to be there for her,
And I guess that's where dads should be.

I know I'll be uncomfortable at best,
But you gotta know she has my heart,
And as a grumpy nearly 50 year old.
I suppose this is where I start.

The whole LGBT issue can drive me nuts,
There is just so much to take in,
But for that child I'd walk through fire,
And then confront my sins.

Suppose my issue is I believe in God,
But something's just won't sit.
But if love takes all shapes and sizes

Then what is wrong with it?

3


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Latest Comments

  • 2 years ago

    by CJ Maleney

    What an absolute blast of a day.

    Danced like I was young again.

  • 2 years ago

    by Poet on the Piano

    Craig, I read this yesterday and felt I had to comment to say this moved me, just as I'm sure your support will move/mean a lot to your daughter. I can only speak for myself, but coming out and facing the reaction I did is something that is still active in my thoughts. Even though I now have more support than I did then, and it's not such a hushed thing, there's still hesitancy on my side. What I wouldn't give for more parents to embrace their children no matter what, even if this is scary to some, the aspect of the unknown, and they don't understand yet. In a way, I don't think there's anything wrong with not fully understanding. Support can always be given regardless. I didn't expect my family at the time to know the newer terms, but I continuously hope they can care enough to be open to hearing/learning about it, or at the very least, foster a safe space to talk about if I want to share that part of me and talk about why it matters. It's all a journey, and that first step, acceptance and building support, is the most crucial and helpful approach.

    Thank you for sharing this, seriously, it holds a lot of heart and inspiration.

    • 2 years ago

      by CJ Maleney

      It doesn't really start with my daughter. It kinda starts when I was about 15 years old. One of my school mates just seemed to vanish.

      Turns out he came out and his life was made a living hell. Lots of things have happened since then but I finally caught up with him in London just as before we realised the full extent of what covid would bring.

      He's still my mate and although way older than we used to be we had so much to catch up on, one of my mates rather fancies him too. No I ain't playing cupid lol.

      With regard to my daughter. I guess she will find her path but at least now I can place stones for her to tread on.

      I'll not lie. It's not been easy trying to take my cave man mind to somewhere else.

      Thing is I love her to bits and she's my kitchen dancing buddy. Fingers crossed we are going to see Mono Inc in Manchester next year. Can't think of anyone I'd rather spend that evening with.

      Thanks for your inspired reply.

      Kinda means a lot for an old guy who's always trying to catch up.

      Craig

  • 2 years ago

    by Jemia de Blondeville

    i am a post op transwoman, and you sound like a wonderful dad, take heart, you are doing the right thing by supporting your daughter, both physically, and with the sincerity of your poem, hope it goes well all the best, Jemia :)

    • 2 years ago

      by CJ Maleney

      Thank you for your reply and your honesty.

      I'm kinda but a point in life now where I think everything is like a mixing bowl.

      In my mind it's all about the cake you bake. Some will like and some will not.

      Nobody makes you eat cake. Ya gotta accept not everyone likes the same things I guess.

      Craig