9 Fathers Day Poems To Make Dad Cry

Every father is different, and every person – from small children through to adults with children of their own – has a different and unique relationship with their Dad. We have compiled our favourite Fathers Day poems to suit different types of father-child relationships. Read on to see which poem applies the best to your relationship with your father.

1. Poem for the Hands-On Dad

This poem is all about simplicity over fancy prose, and is ideally suited to the hands-on Dad who spends quality time with his younger children.

My Dad and I

Phyllis C. Michael

My dad and I – we think alike,
He knows just what I mean
Before I even say a word
He reads, well, in between.

My dad and I – we like to fish
Or build a model plane,

Or fix a broken chair or two
Or just a windowpane.

My dad and I – we know the score
Of every single game;
Sometimes he’s really busy, too
But he takes me just the same.

My dad and I – we go swimming too,
Each year and sometimes twice.
My dad and I – we do everything;
My dad – he’s really nice.

2. Poem from a Little One

Small children don’t have the words to express what they feel for their fathers, and a Fathers Day poem can help to put words to this beautiful relationship.

Daddy, I Love You

Author Unknown

Daddy, I love you
For all that you do.
I’ll kiss you and hug you
‘Cause you love me, too.

You feed me and need me
To teach you to play,
So smile ’cause I love you
On this Father’s Day.

3. Poem for Three Generations of Men

We all experience those full-circle moments, and this poem explains one perfectly.

My Dad’s Hands

David Kettler

Bedtime came, we were settling down,
I was holding one of my lads.
As I grasped him so tight, I saw a strange sight:
My hands… they looked like my dad’s!

I remember them well, those old gnarled hooks,
there was always a cracked nail or two.
And thanks to a hammer that strayed from its mark,
his thumb was a beautiful blue!

They were rough, I remember, incredibly tough,
as strong as a carpenter’s vice.
But holding a scared little boy at night,
they seemed to me awfully nice!

The sight of those hands – how impressive it was
in the eyes of his little boy.
Other dads’ hands were cleaner, it seemed
(the effects of their office employ).

I gave little thought in my formative years
of the reason for Dad’s raspy mitts:
The love in the toil, the dirt and the oil,
rusty plumbing that gave those hands fits!

Thinking back, misty-eyed, and thinking ahead,
when one day my time is done.
The torch of love in my own wrinkled hands
will pass on to the hands of my son.

I don’t mind the bruises, the scars here and there
or the hammer that just seemed to slip.
I want most of all when my son takes my hand,
to feel that love lies in the grip.

4. Poem for Dads Who Have Passed

Fathers Day can be a bittersweet time for anyone whose Dad has already passed. Keep your father’s memory alive with a Fathers Day poem chosen specifically to honour someone who has passed.

You Never

Author Unknown

You never said I’m leaving
You never said goodbye
You were gone before I knew it,
And only God knew why

A million times I needed you,
A million times I cried
If Love alone could have saved you,
You never would have died

In Life I loved you dearly
In death I love you still
In my heart you hold a place,
That no one could ever fill

It broke my heart to lose you,
But you didn’t go alone
For part of me went with you,
The day God took you home.

5. Poem to Accompany A Handprint Gift

Fathers Day is the perfect opportunity for a handmade gift, and this poem is the perfect accompaniment to a handprint gift made from a child.

A Little Handprint

Author Unknown

Sometimes you get discouraged
Because I am so small
And always leave my fingerprints
On furniture and walls.

But every day I’m growing –
I’ll be grown some day
And all those tiny handprints
Will surely fade away.

So here’s a little handprint
Just so you can recall
Exactly how my fingers looked
When I was very small.

6. Poem for Grandfathers on Father’s Day

Some people choose to honour their grandfather on Fathers Day: whether they have a father in their lives or not. If your grandfather plays a special role in your life, consider this Fathers Day poem to honour him.

Grandfathers Are Fathers Who Are Grand

Author Unknown

Grandfathers are fathers who are grand,
Restoring the sense that our most precious things
Are those that do not change much over time.
No love of childhood is more sublime,
Demanding little, giving on demand,
Far more inclined than most to grant the wings
Allowing us to reach enchanted lands.

Though grandfathers must serve as second fathers,
Helping out with young and restless hearts,
Each has all the patience wisdom brings,
Remembering our passions more than others,
Soothing us with old and well-honed arts.

7. Poem About Bedtime Stories

Bedtime stories are a nightly ritual enjoyed by parents and children alike. For many working Dads, bedtime stories are the perfect chance to spend some quality time with the children before their day ends. Honour your family’s tradition with this special poem.

A History of Twilight

Patrick Phillips

When the sky is full of day each night
and all the little windows glow,
I lie back on a Star Wars pillow
and give the performance of my life:

playing the role of my father, reading
a bedtime story to my sons,
my voice so strangely his it comes
to me: that such am I to them,

though to myself I’m still, forever
the one who shines over the book:
the bright boy shining a little brighter
every time his father looks.

8. Poem from an Adult Son or Daughter

Fathers Day isn’t just for small children, and even if you have children of your own it is still important to recognise your father on Fathers Day.

My Dad

Author Unknown

When I was just a tiny kid,
Do you remember when,
The time you kissed my bruises,
Or cleaned by soiled chin?

You scrambled for the balls I hit,
(Short-winded more than not,)
Yet, every time we’d play a game,
You praised the “outs” I caught.

It seems like only yesterday,
You wiped away my tears,
And late at night I called your name,
To chase away my fears.

Though time has changed your handsome grip,
Your hair is snowy white,
You gait’s a little slower now,
Thick glasses help your sight.

Oh, do I thirst for years gone by,
To be that growing lad,
Re-living all of the memories,
Of growing with my dad.

9. Poem for a Dad-To-Be

Pregnancies often focus on the Mum-to-be, but on the sidelines you’ll usually find an excited Dad who is ready to take the next step towards parenthood. Surprise any expectant Dad with this Fathers Day poem for a dad-to-be.

Though You’d Never

Author Unknown

Though you’re never held me in your arms
Or gazed upon my face
Though you’re never held me my little hand
And let me on my way

Though you’re never read me bedtime stories
Or bounced me on your knee
Though you haven’t stood for hours
As in awe you watched me sleep

Though you haven knelt with me to pray
Or tucked me in at night
Though you’ve never kissed my little cheek
To make my whole world right

These are the things I dream of
And i know that you do too
And though just yet we haven’t met.
Already, I love you.

Every father is different, and the perfect poem for one Dad won’t apply to another. When you’ve found the ideal one of these Fathers Day poems to honour the special dad in your life, consider having your poem professionally printed on canvas as the ideal Fathers Day gift. Click here to take care of your Fathers Day preparations in a few clicks.