Words Not Spoken

Published by Family Friend Poems May 2006 with permission of the Author.

Although he could not say with words
The love he felt inside,
He treasured every moment
And his heart would fill with pride.

He never said I love you,
But he came to every game.
Even in defeat, his son knew
He loved him just the same.

He'd pat him on the head
Or maybe ruffle his hair
And tell him he was proud of him
As long as he played fair.

When he graduated college,
I love you wasn't said.
He smiled as he shook his hand,
Mumbling, well done, my boy instead.

When his son went to war,
He trembled as he spoke,
And brushing away the tears,
He made a little joke.

Now, his son's come home,
And he stands with eyes downcast.
His hands stroking the coffin,
Saying I love you son at last!

Stories 8
Shares 1202
Favorited 14
Votes 883
Rating 4.46

Read More War Poems

Has this poem touched you? Share your story!

by Geraldine Maddison
7 years ago

I cried!! Many families find it hard to say those most important 3 little words.

by Chance Crabtree Milan, Tennessee
10 years ago

My dad didn't die in the war but at home. I still know the pain of not having him home to care for you or congratulate you. In my eyes he was the bravest hero I know, his friends were going to be deployed but he volunteered for a double deployment and the army rejected the idea. He was in the airborne (idk what branch they are tbh) then broke his foot and they didn't let him jump again, after that he joined the army. He died when I was two as of today it's been twelve years without him. Thanks for taking your time for reading this. RIP daddy C.V.C

by Patricia Livingston, Papua New Guinea
10 years ago

Reading the poem "words not spoken", has really touched my heart, especially the last paragraph. Personally this poem is telling us to always say what is in your heart to those people who are very close to you, because tomorrow might not come and you will end up regretting for the rest of your life.

by Viper
10 years ago

I used this poem for my teacher and classmates and they loved it. Although many said it was sad. I touched me in a special way and I won't forget this poem.

by Kaylin
12 years ago

I have not yet gone through that pain yet and hopefully never will. Those people who have gone through that though I am truly sorry I send out love to all those family that wait to see there father, husband, brother, sister, friend walk up to them with a smile and a hug but yet see them lying down cold. I have not gone through that but on November 20 2011 I will either be a widow or a blessed woman. To all who have suffered I am deeply sorry and though I have not experienced pain in the way you have and I have not said I love you to my husband in 1 year and 2 months and 12 days. A lesson all people should learn is to hold on and love the person you love or cherish if there risking there life or sitting in a office or sitting right next to you make sure they know how much they love you because you never know when the end might be.

by Ginger, Upper Marlboro
12 years ago

Great poem but very sad. There are a lot of people that can't say the words, I love you, but we should learn to say them and many more like them before it is too late for the person to hear them.

by Sister Lydia
12 years ago

I never really started loving poetry until I was introduced to the poems of Wilfred Owen who is now my favorite poet. I adore war poems. May all of you who lost family members in war be comforted. S. L.

by Jeremy
13 years ago

This story moved me.. and brought back memories of my father.. I stood at his grave not knowing what it felt like to hear him say .. I love you.. good father good teacher, iron man with no fear.. died violently. it's okay I love you g.s.g RIP