关于父亲节的诗歌—《Father February 1911》

《Father February 1911》原文

There is but little I recall of him — how

I feared his visits, though he would bring gifts:

apples, candy, a toothbrush and powder.

In exchange I must present fingernails

and ears, open my mouth to show the teeth.

Then I’d recite my lessons, my voice low.

I would stumble over a simple word, say

lay for lie, and he would stop me there. How

I wanted him to like me, think me smart,

a delicate colored girl — not the wild

pickaninny roaming the fields, barefoot.

I search now for his face among the men

I pass in the streets, fear the day a man

enters my room both customer and father.