How to Start a Father's Day Poetry Tradition

Poetry is a soothing balm for the mind and soul. It can be used to convey deep sentiment in an uplifting, lyrical way. Not surprisingly, poetry is frequently featured at public ceremonies commemorating all kinds of events. People instinctively respond to poetry on a profound emotional level. This makes poetry perfect for celebrating any sort of sentimental occasion.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Linen paper
• Plastic sheet protectors
• Three-ring binder

1. Assign each person in the family (except for Dad) to write one poem for Father's Day. Poems can be long or short and can conform to any standard poetry style (such as couplets or haikus).
2. Sit down with the whole family (minus Dad) a week before Father's Day to read your poems to each other. This will give you all the opportunity to offer critiques and suggestions for improvements on each other's poems. Remember, everyone may not be completely done with their poems at this point.
3. Print out everyone's poems on good-quality linen paper, using a pretty, scroll-like font. Start doing this at least a day before Father's Day.
4. Buy plastic sheet protectors and a three-ring binder at least a day before Father's Day. Once you've printed out the poems, put each one into its own sheet protector and then put all the poems into the binder.
5. Print out copies of the poems on plain paper. Then, give each family member a copy of his own poem to read on Father's Day.
6. Designate a time to start reading the poems on Father's Day. Before or after meals are traditional times for such activities, but you can select any time you want.
7. Line up the family from youngest to oldest at the designated time. Each person will then stand before Dad and read her poem.
8. Present Dad with the binder filled with the poems printed on the linen paper.
9. Repeat this poetry tradition each year at your Father's Day events. It won't be long before Dad has a virtual library of poetry binders to commemorate this beautiful and loving family tradition.

Tips & Warnings

• Read books on how to write poetry if you need help putting your poem together. You'll find explanations of poetry styles and get ideas for rhyming words in these kinds of books.
• Write a few drafts of your poem in advance of Father's Day. If you start a week or two ahead of time, this will give you an opportunity to edit and refine your poem so that it's perfect to present to your dad on the big day.