ANASTASIA PANAGIOTAKIS took second place in the 2024 Wangaratta Young Writers Award year 5/6 poetry/song lyrics category with this piece.

The competition was jointly run by the Rotary Club of Wangaratta, and the Rotary Club of Appin Park Wangaratta.

Oooo

The first man I ever loved stood tall above my head.

He read me bedtime stories,

Then he’d tuck me into bed.

He’d listen to my prayers,

Scare the bogeyman away.

He'd leave the hallway light on

Until the break of day.

We'd always laugh when I danced upon his feet,

He’d twirl me in a circle

To make the dance complete.

He taught me about courage

And not to compromise.

The first man I ever loved

Is very brave and wise.

Although life brings many changes through the good and bad

I wouldn’t change you for the world

You are such a special dad!