A Father’s Legacy: Hope Remains for Kevin “Earleybird” Earley

Kevin “Earleybird” Earley writes:

My father has been a major force in my life.  A mentor, a friend, sometimes a fierce combatant, a towering figure of authority, and a lighthouse-like guiding light in the world that has instilled his values, ideas, morals, and flaws for me to wrestle with as I define and continue to redefine myself throughout my journey.

I am fortunate to have a present and involved father-figure, when I have friends who had fathers who were never around, and siblings who lost their biological father at a young age.  My father stood up and faced the pressures of fatherhood head-on.  He’s been with me through my heartbreaking struggles and statistic-defying triumphs.  He is still here, still alive, and still among his family, while many of my peers have lost one or both of their parents.  I cherish and value his friendship, mentorship, and vitality.  As long as he is around, I will not take for granted the connection I have with him.

My Father

Kevin “Earleybird” Earley

My father

He never said

“Why bother?”

He encouraged me to try harder

Even though we’ve been through more drama than an opera

He always had the best advice to offer

My father

He never said

“Why bother?”

He was there Hell or high water

Even though we’ve been through more drama than an opera

He always had the best advice to offer

I know now the drama isn’t worth the rage

You start to reflect when you reach a certain age

Thinking about how short one’s life course is

Of course it’s the feeling of something more than us

That supports us

When the going gets tough, divorces

And important choices to make

I’m so fortunate—no remorse

Understand where I come from and learn to respect the source—

The author

Knowing that you were never a rolling stone

Help me hold onto the globe before I could hold my own

Your character is embedded in my chromosome

I think about how I’ll be alone when you’re going home

At your tombstone, I’ll grieve, leave flowers and kneel

But before you pass on, I’ll tell you how I feel

For another hour when you’re gone I’ll request

Just another moment conversating with the best

My father

He never said

“Why bother?”

He encouraged me to try harder

Even though we’ve been through more drama than an opera

He always had the best advice to offer

My father

He never said

“Why bother?”

He was there Hell or high water

Even though we’ve been through more drama than an opera

He always had the best advice to offer

I gaze into the mirror as I take your shape

My features mimic yours

Since you make mistakes

I can’t

offer you anything other than thanks

For how I was raised

No one can take your place

I listen

To my dad more as I mature

I notice now I appreciate everything that you’ve done for me

you never ignored or turned words on your second son

Even if it seemed

I was done for

Willing to make sacrifices

Taught me life is

Nothing without family to confide in

Rely on

Only as strong as the weak link

Before I speak, I consult my think tank

Look before I leap

I used to live reckless, but you always came through with a positive message

That’s a blessing

I’d be stupid not to recognize

You can achieve, reach whatever you set your eyes on

My father

He never said

“Why bother?”

He encouraged me to try harder

Even though we’ve been through more drama than an opera

He always had the best advice to offer

My father

He never said

“Why bother?”

He was there Hell or high water

Even though we’ve been through more drama than an opera

He always had the best advice to offer

Kevin “Earleybird” Earley is a mental health advocate and hip-hop recording artist.