3 Father Son Poems
A touching collection of Edgar A. Guest poems that celebrate the lasting bond between father and son.
Updated April 8, 2026, by Catherine Pulsifer.
These father and son poems by Edgar A. Guest remind us of the quiet yet powerful role a father plays in shaping a child’s life. Through simple words and heartfelt reflections, Guest captures the love, responsibility, and hope that fathers carry each day. Whether through guidance, shared moments, or lessons learned along the way, the bond between a father and his son is one that grows stronger with time. These poems encourage us to appreciate those moments and to recognize the lasting impact of a father’s presence.
The Man To Be
Some day the world will need a man of courage in a time of doubt,
And somewhere, as a little boy, that future hero plays about.
Within some humble home, no doubt, that instrument of greater things
Now climbs upon his father's knee or to his mother's garments clings.
And when shall come that call for him to render service that is fine,
He that shall do God's mission here may be your little boy or mine.
Long years of preparation mark the pathway for the splendid souls,
And generations live and die and seem no nearer to their goals,
And yet the purpose of it all, the fleeting pleasure and the woe,
The laughter and the grief of life that all who come to earth must know
May be to pave the way for one--one man to serve the Will Divine
And it is possible that he may be your little boy or mine.
Some day the world will need a man! I stand beside his cot at night
And wonder if I'm teaching him, as best I can, to know the right.
I am the father of a boy--his life is mine to make or mar--
And he no better can become than what my daily teachings are;
There will be need for someone great--I dare not falter from the line--
The man that is to serve the world may be that little boy of mine.
Perhaps your boy and mine may not ascend the lofty heights of fame;
The orders for their births are hid. We know not why to earth they came.
Yet in some little bed to-night the great man of to-morrow sleeps
And only He who sent him here, the secret of his purpose keeps.
As fathers then our care is this--to keep in mind the Great Design.
The man the world shall need some day may be your little boy or mine.
Father and Son
Be more than his dad,
Be a chum to the lad;
Be a part of his life.
Every hour of the day;
Find time to talk with him,
Take time to walk with him,
Share in his studies
And share in his play;
Take him to places,
To ball games and races,
Teach him the things
That you want him to know;
Don't live apart from him,
Don't keep your heart from him,
Be his best comrade.
He's needing you so!
Never neglect him.
Though young, still respect him,
Hear his opinions
With patience and pride;
Show him his error,
But be not a terror,
Grim-visaged and fearful,
When he's at your side.
Know what his thoughts are,
Know what his sports are,
Know all his playmates,
It's easy to learn to;
Be such a father
That when troubles gather
You'll be the first one
For counsel, he'll turn to.
You can inspire him
With courage, and fire him
Hot with ambition
For deeds that are good;
He'll not betray you
Nor illy repay you.
If you have taught him.
The things that you should.
Father and son
Must in all things be one -
Partners in trouble
And comrades in joy.
More than a dad
Was the best pal you had;
Be such a chum
As you knew, to your boy.
If these poems touched your heart, you may also enjoy reading more meaningful verses on our Fathers Day Poems page, where the love and appreciation for dads is shared in many thoughtful ways.
Our Son
He’s supposed to be our son, our hope and our pride,
In him all the dreams of our future abide,
But whenever some act to his credit occurs
I never am mentioned, the glory is hers,
And whenever he’s bad or has strayed from the line,
Then always she speaks of the rascal as mine.
When trouble has come she will soberly say:
"Do you know what your son has been up to to-day?
Your son spilled the ink on the living room floor!
Your son broke the glass in the dining room door!
I am telling you now something has to be done.
It is high time you started correcting your son!"
But when to the neighbors she boasts of his worth,
It is: “My son’s the best little boy on the earth!”
Accuse him of mischief, she’ll just floor you flat
With: “My son, I’m certain, would never do that!
Of course there are times when he’s willfully bad.
But then it’s that temper he gets from his dad! "
Popular Pages:
If you found these father-son poems meaningful, take a moment to explore these popular pages where you will find more heartfelt words about family, love, and the special bonds that shape our lives.
Conclusion
These father and son poems by Edgar A. Guest remind us that the moments we share today become the memories that shape tomorrow. A father’s words, his actions, and even his quiet presence all leave a lasting mark on a son’s life.
In the busyness of life, it is easy to overlook the small things, but often it is those simple moments, a conversation, a walk, a lesson gently given, that mean the most. These poems encourage us to slow down, to be present, and to value the time we have with those we love.
Whether you are a father guiding your son, a son remembering those who shaped you, or someone reflecting on the importance of family, may these words inspire you to cherish each moment and to build a bond that will stand strong through the years.
More Edgar A. Guest Poems to inspire and reflect on life’s meaningful connections.
