Being a Father Isn't Meant for Perfection

"A Story" by Li-Young Lee emphasizes and clarifies that being a father isn't easy and it isn't meant for perfection with: struggling to tell his son a story and fearing that his son will not have the father that he always wanted or needed; that the man will not be able to be the perfect father.

"Already the man lives far ahead, he sees

the day this boy will go. Don't go! [...]

But the boy is packing his shirts,
 he is looking for his keys. [...]
But the boy is here. Please, Baba, a story?"

Li-Young Lee's use of literary devices: metaphors and dramatic irony, emphasize how the man really feels about his son and how hard he is trying to be a better father. He doesn't want his son growing up thinking that his father doesn't have much sympathy/affection for him. He wants to be able to tell his son a story without thinking, but by the heart and how he truly feels. His son wants to hear a story from his father, but he doesn't know what to say or where to start. It is as if the man is indirectly showing that he doesn't know how to take care of his son because he is afraid of the possible outcome or negative connotation he may bring to his son. It all starts with telling a story, but if a father can't do that then what can he do for his kids?