How's Your Father? - By Patricia Cantwell

Written By: Patricia Cantwell

Category: Poetry

Competition: Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026

Patricia Cantwell brings a poignant exploration of memory and identity with her poem "How's Your Father?" in the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026. As part of the poetry category, Cantwell's work invites readers into an introspective moment of mistaken identity and familial reminiscence, capturing the nuances of human connection.

About the Work

"How's Your Father?" captures a moment where past and present converge, reflecting on themes of memory, loss, and the longing for connection. The poem is suffused with a gentle nostalgia as it navigates a chance encounter that evokes vivid imagery of family and legacy. Cantwell's delicate handling of dialogue and inner reflection brings an emotional depth to this exploration of identity.

How's Your Father?

Original Submission by Patricia Cantwell

How’s Your Father? Line Count 28

In an airport queue,

mistaking me for someone else,

he tapped me on the shoulder.

‘Good God, I haven’t seen you in years!

And how’s your father?’

I smiled and somehow not

wanting to disappoint him,

I said ‘he’s grand’.

My father was ten years dead.

‘It’s two years since we last met-

when Munster played Toulouse.

What a day we had!

And after in Casey’s bar

he brought the house down

when he stood on a chair and

sang Spancil Hill.

You’d have heard a pin drop.

Even the French lads stood and cheered

although we’d beaten them.

And you, oh God, he was so proud of you.

His golden girl he always called you’.

He kissed me on the cheek.

‘Tell him I was asking for him!’

‘I will’, I said.

At the Departure Gates he turned

and waved. I almost called him back

to be the golden girl again with the

father who sang Spancil Hill.

About the Competition

The Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026, hosted by Hashtag Kalakar, celebrates the power of the written word. This annual event invites writers from across the globe to showcase their creativity and share their unique voices. The competition emphasizes the importance of literary arts in cultural expression and fosters a diverse community of writers.

We extend our heartfelt gratitude to Patricia Cantwell for sharing her evocative poem "How's Your Father?" with us. Her contribution to the Global Poetry and Creative Writing Competition 2026 enriches our celebration of the written word. We look forward to seeing more of her thoughtful and expressive work in the future.

About Hashtag Kalakar

Hashtag Kalakar is a creative platform dedicated to providing artists, writers, singers and other creative talents with opportunities to showcase their work and reach wider audiences through competitions, features and creative initiatives.