Through My Father's Eyes is a book of poems by Patrick de Werk, mostly written from the standpoint of his father. The poems touch on life experiences, some which were very difficult to vocalize, such as growing up during WWII in Rotterdam, The Netherlands.
The poem writing started out with a poem "Dad" which describes a near fatal car accident, and the father coming home to say "I love you" for the first time his son has ever heard it. From the writing of that poem, Patrick realized that his father was able to open up more, and as he spoke to his father about life, he grasped small bits of information and wrote. This opened up a dialog between the two, and as they grew closer, Patrick's father was able to open up more and more, which resulted in more poetry.
This books has many of the poems that touched his father's heart, brought back painful memories as well as joy and laughter. This collection not only opened up communication, but was also a way that his father could finally let go of the past.
Patrick A. de Werk was born in Berkeley CA, to Dutch immigrants, a year after they came to the United States. Growing up he spoke both Dutch and English and was very fluent in both.Patrick has traveled back to The Netherlands, with and without his parents, often. On one trip with his father, they shared an experience at the Anna Franke house, which was the inspiration for the well-received "Visiting Anne."Being from musical parents he picked up Bluegrass Banjo at the age of 5, and played drums in several school and civic marching bands. Often playing with his father at the piano and brother at the drums. His father, had written several musical pieces, which were played on the radio by well-known bands of the time. Patrick took after his father and began writing himself. He wrote some music, but his early attempt at lyrics morphed into writing poetry.Patrick grew up very shy, but expressive, having ADHD all his life, he found writing lyrics, drawing, and writing poetry, was a good way to express himself. Later turning to writing as a means to cope with experiences in his life. Which in turn helped his father open up when he wrote about parts of his father's life, that he wouldn't openly speak about.With his passion for finding beauty and joy in all things, he writes about people, places, thoughts, and emotions. And while some of these may be sad, they are often good memories or experiences shared with others.Patrick was ultimately challenged by his best friend C.J. to read in public. His writings were well received by the poetry community, opening him to further writing, and sharing at weekly poetry readings. He enjoys sharing his poetry with the people he writes about and for. With continued positive feedback he looks forward to the relationship with his words and the people that are moved by them.
Caitlin is the daughter of Author Patrick de Werk, and is of Dutch descent on her father's side. An avid photographer and artist, she enjoys painting and creating art through various means. She is highly recommended by the individuals she photographs and is often requested for special and memorable occasions.She has been raised on both the East and West coast, Massachusetts and California, where her parents families are, but enjoys the free spirit and surroundings of California most, with its nearby snow capped mountains and equally as close beach areas.
