'Twas the winter I turned seven
mother's voice struck sudden fear . . .
Just wait' til your daddy gets home"
naught could save ~ not plea nor tear ~

I knew just what awaited
heck, I'd walked that plank before . . .
"Spank her now ~ she disobeyed me"
as daddy ambled through the door ~

He spoke with quiet authority
"Princess, wait in the bathroom" . . .
"Think about the wrong you've done"
my heart beat the rhythm of doom ~

As I wrung my hands and fidgeted
sweated, squirmed & paced about . . .
Hoping no belt could be found
Ohhhhh, could there be no way out? ~

After what seemed an eternity
loomed his figure dark & gray . . .
But instead of fire & brimstone
heard I daddy quietly say ~

"We shall have a little secret
'twill be just between us two" . . .
What my daddy did that night
I just could not believe was true ~

"I will take your spanking"
He whispered, with warm embrace . . .
As I watched him strike his own leg
my introduction to God's grace ~

And the bond of love between us
so much stronger grew & grew . . .
As daddy taught me tender mercy
and MOTHER NEVER KNEW ~

I sobbed as I had never done
thought for sure my heart would break . . .
For daddy took my punishment
like Jesus . . for my sake !

Mary Carter Mizrany
June 12, 2005
Copyrighted. All rights reserved.

In memoriam of my precious daddy,
DOCK FRANKLIN CARTER, II
March 1915 ~ November 1971

And dedicated to all dads who've ever
shown mercy to their children:-)

HAPPY FATHER'S DAY !!!

Love in Jesus,
Maryxo