There’s something about poems about dads that catches our emotions in a way few other things can. Here’s a beautiful poem we love sharing with our readers: Can I Carry You? by Brad Anderson.
It’s a gentle, moving reflection on fatherhood and childhood — on all the small, everyday moments a dad treasures before his child grows up too fast. Whether you’re looking for something to read aloud, share with a partner, or simply sit with for a moment, this poem captures that bittersweet feeling every parent knows.
I guess that I can hold you
one more time before you grow.
And tell you that I love you
so that you will always know.
Please let me tie your shoe again.
One day you’ll tie your own.
And when you think back to this time
I hope it’s love I’ve shown.
Can I help you put your coat on?
Can I please cut up your meat?
Can I pull you in the wagon?
Can I pick you out a treat?
One day you might just care for me,
so let me care for you.
I want to be a part
of every little thing you do.
Tonight could I please wash your hair?
Can I put toys in the bath?
Can I help you count your small ten toes
before I teach you math?
Before you join a baseball team
can I pitch you one more ball?
And one more time can I stand near
to make sure you don’t fall?
Let’s take another space-ship ride
Up to the Planet Zoor.
Before our Cardboard Rocket
doesn’t fit us anymore.
Please let me help you up the hill.
while you’re still too small to climb.
And let me read you stories
while you’re young and have the time.
I know the day will come
when you will do these things alone.
Will you recall the shoulder rides
and all the balls we’ve thrown?
I want you to grow stronger
than your Dad could ever be.
And when you find success
there will be no soul more proud than me.
So will you let me carry you?
One day you’ll walk alone.
I cannot bear to miss one day
from now until you’ve grown.
“Can I Carry You” by Brad Anderson.
More Poems About Dads
If this poem struck a chord, you might enjoy these too:
- The Last Time Poem — a tender look at the “lasts” of childhood we don’t always notice until they’ve passed.
- To My Grown Up Son — a moving piece for parents watching their children step into adulthood.
What Did You Think?
Poems like this one have a way of putting into words what we feel but struggle to say out loud. If “Can I Carry You?” moved you, consider sharing it with the dad in your life — it makes a lovely addition to a Father’s Day card, a birthday message, or just a quiet moment of appreciation.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote “Can I Carry You?”
The poem was written by Brad Anderson, and it’s one of our most-loved poems about dads and childhood.
Is this poem suitable for a Father’s Day card?
Yes — its warm, reflective tone makes it a lovely choice for Father’s Day, birthdays, or simply as a heartfelt message to a dad.
Can I share or print this poem for personal use?
You’re welcome to share it with family and friends for personal, non-commercial use. Please credit Brad Anderson as the poet when sharing.
Looking for More Family Reads?
Browse our full collection of poems and heartfelt reads for parents, or save this page to come back to whenever you need a moment of reflection.
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