navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #34 » talking to the dead (happy birthday mr. "b")
Open Poetry #34
Post A Reply Post New Topic talking to the dead (happy birthday mr. "b") Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738


0 posted 2004-12-06 04:24 AM


I really think he liked the hats.
Father "Red" said that he would,
and somehow I was gratified
at the mention of them there,
placed with care upon the floor
semi-circled left to right
in order of the time he spent
wearing them with pride,
he smiled
from the chosen pictures framed
placed above in complement,
with dice and dawgs and women-grins
contrast
inbetween.


It mattered to me -
those details -
I had toured the photographs
looking for the capturing
of his smile in break of laugh--
the way his Irish red cheeks told
the naughty punch lines of his jokes
with insurance of the cross
he made across his chest
he'd bless
himself as if he had been dealt
the bad-ass hand of Sister Ann
tugging at his ear, "Repent!"

I laughed, right there
on the front pew
as the tears
dredged channels through
the cosmetic covering
of my circled eyes so sore,
remembering that he had sworn
that he would be there for me
he would take good care of me
and how he knew he couldn't be
my Dad, but he could try...

He died.

Too quick to say goodbye
and I
am bereft left legacy

of this--


"See? We downed the paneling
and textured all the walls.
I took that other bedroom door
and now it's in the hall.
We shut the other for the need
of a big shelved pantry, see,
we've got these growing kids to feed--
I know you would approve.

Then we took the carpet out--
too many dogs had seen the day.
I think I chose some pretty tile.
You would have liked it much this way.

We removed the paper from
the windows--see?
we needed sun.
The dark was festering our grief.
We needed light and light has freed
the shadows of ourselves.

The kitchen? Well. I guess you knew
I couldn't cook electric stew.
So we ran the gasline through
the ceiling to the stove."

Someday it just might pass for code.
(and yes, I smile. I hear you laugh.)
"and yep, I watch the thermostat
and I hope that you know that

the kids will always love you too...

Am I crazy? Yes I am.
Talking to the walls tonight,
singing happy birthday as
I bake a late night cake for you.

I hope you liked the hats and I
hope you can forgive me too
for everything I never said
for everything I had to do
for all the things we promised that
would never come to be...but this?

Happy birthday Mr. B.
Happy New Year too.
There's a Christmas tree in lights,
there are prayers starring you.

and while I hope you liked the hats--
I pray that halo fits you too.
(and yes, I hear you laugh, my friend.)
Laughter is your epitaph.

And just in case you never knew?
I loved you....I sigh:
I love you"

crumbling the writ of this

by candlelight

I am

intent

gathering the bones...


[This message has been edited by serenity blaze (12-06-2004 06:27 AM).]

© Copyright 2004 serenity blaze - All Rights Reserved
nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
1 posted 2004-12-06 05:23 AM


The dark was festering our grief.
We needed light and light has freed
the shadows of ourselves.


well Dear One, Karen..I just loved this,
for many reasons...

  and wishing "Mr.B" a happy birthday too.

btw I talk to walls all the time

M

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

2 posted 2004-12-06 05:44 AM


I should have known, "m"--if anyone would understand this, it would be you.



and I'll bet your tree is gorgeous.

*chuckle*

mine is shaping up, he bought another Charly Brown Christmas tree, and you know me, I consider that a challenge...

smile

love you lady

GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
3 posted 2004-12-06 06:07 AM


I talk to the walls. They have meaning, y'know. She wallpapered them. I remember. I baked a cake on her birthday, too. It was chocolate though I know she'd have wanted lemon...

Crazy? Yes. But it's the most sane thing in the universe.


Always, Alyssa

He was a man of sorrows
...I am a girl of tears.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

4 posted 2004-12-06 06:12 AM


"I talk to the walls. They have meaning, "y'know. She wallpapered them. I remember. I baked a cake on her birthday, too. It was chocolate though I know she'd have wanted lemon..."



I would love to write with you.



babygirlwlove
Senior Member
since 2004-10-10
Posts 1180
New York City
5 posted 2004-12-06 06:30 AM


serenity...lord how you grab the reader...!

compelling spill of words, my friend....

**babygirL**

**Intoxicant to the SouL**

GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
6 posted 2004-12-06 06:32 AM


I think that craziness is kicking in. Seriously. Either that or you just need sleep. It's late. I know I haven't slept in three nights/days and I'm a bit loopy. You must be feeling the same...

I'd sure never turn down the offer, though!

(I'm not that tired yet.)

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

7 posted 2004-12-06 06:34 AM


I'd really love to write with you too!



thanks lady

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

8 posted 2004-12-06 06:35 AM




I'm back. Just cause I thought it would look funny.


GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
9 posted 2004-12-06 06:49 AM



...now look what you've lowered me too. Bouncing everywhere...
I'll never sleep!

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

10 posted 2004-12-06 06:51 AM




It does look funny!

GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
11 posted 2004-12-06 06:55 AM




Bad. Bad, bad, bad.
*sigh*
Bad!

nakdthoughts
Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200
Between the Lines
12 posted 2004-12-06 06:57 AM


are you guys bouncing "off the walls" this morning????

~Smiling~ here
and Karen...where is THAT picture of the counter...I am still waiting!!!

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

13 posted 2004-12-06 07:02 AM




okay.

You'll have to wait until I sober up tho.







Just messin' wif ya'll.


GG
Member Elite
since 2002-12-03
Posts 3532
Lost in thought
14 posted 2004-12-06 07:08 AM



I'm hardly even seventeen... I'm not the one that's supposed to act like an adult! *yawns* But it's 4 AM and I still have 2 hours left of sleeping time. So I'm off to bed for a few. Now... Behave. Really.

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

15 posted 2004-12-06 07:13 AM




"I'm hardly even seventeen... I'm not the one that's supposed to act like an adult"

I take full responsibility for the bounce.

nite GG....boing


Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
16 posted 2004-12-06 08:02 AM


serenity,
Loved the echo and the bouncing ball.
and how about a

scorpio
Member Ascendant
since 2002-10-02
Posts 5178
right...there
17 posted 2004-12-06 08:41 AM


Very touching write Serenity.

believe in what your heart feels...

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
18 posted 2004-12-06 08:53 AM



...gathering the bones...

Happy Birthday, Mr. B...

Susan Caldwell
Member Rara Avis
since 2002-12-27
Posts 8348
Florida
19 posted 2004-12-06 10:37 AM


Okay, the image of a blue bouncing ball with a all too knowing smile better be out of my mind by time I go to bed tonight...



Karen, I loved this and only wish I could talk to the walls as you do...but I am still afraid she is mad at me..

love ya lady..

"cast me gently into the morning, for the night has been unkind"
~Sarah McLachlan~

wranx
Member Elite
since 2002-06-07
Posts 3689
Moved from a shack to a barn
20 posted 2004-12-06 10:54 AM


Ok, see?

What you have to do now is gather up ALL of these...Yes, the ones with THIS flavor, and assemble a book.

It's already written m'witch, it merely needs colated.

Do it...You'll see what I mean.

Lubs ya
y'yeti

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
21 posted 2004-12-06 11:02 AM



What Wranx says...

Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049
California
22 posted 2004-12-06 11:24 AM


What Wranx and Sunshine said!!  You're wonderful, ya know?  and hey, it's my oldest son's birthday today...he's 36...wow!

Happy birthday Mr. b!


Midnitesun
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 2001-05-18
Posts 28647
Gaia
23 posted 2004-12-06 11:26 AM


I hate 'lectric cooking too, but am stuck with it cuz I rent
Ser, this is a magnificent piece, and the bouncing replies tell me I'm in for another special treat when you two duet.
And your dad is grinning his lips off.

Janet Marie
Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554

24 posted 2004-12-06 11:56 AM


you turned his house into a home...
Im sure hes smiling... I bet he loves the mosaic counter.

Enchantress
Member Empyrean
since 2001-08-14
Posts 35113
Canada eh.
25 posted 2004-12-06 12:23 PM


Incredible...just incredible..
first you had me crying..
then nodding my head in understanding of talking to the walls..
then laughin' my head off!
You do tend to bring out all the emotions in me!
Love ya lady~

suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
26 posted 2004-12-06 12:55 PM


Laughter is your epitaph.

And love... don't forget that... for it shines here through every line. *S*

Could any of us ask for more? *S*

Of course. *S*

But if we get this much, we're blessed. *S*

Incredible write!!

Mysteria
Deputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 10 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Laureate
since 2001-03-07
Posts 18328
British Columbia, Canada
27 posted 2004-12-06 01:30 PM


I bet I was late in seeing this for a reason.  I don't know if I ever told you I live in the home where my Mother and Father lived, and when I moved in, I completely renovated it, completely!  I wrote a story about those dark walls, and all the nick nacs etc. to my Mom and then one day to my father.  These are the healing moments, when we finally get to move on.  Enjoy the next chapter m'friend, this one truly suits you finally.  If you never do publish all these "moments" at least collect them into a book for your legacy for sure!  No one is ever going to crack your tile lady!
jellybeans
Member Elite
since 2000-10-13
Posts 2298

28 posted 2004-12-06 02:27 PM


oh what a picture you paint with this...leaves me speechless...whew
Cpat Hair
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Patricius
since 2001-06-05
Posts 11793

29 posted 2004-12-06 04:18 PM


::smiling at you ::

art ma'am.... art....



serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

30 posted 2004-12-06 08:19 PM


I just came in to whisper a very quiet "thank you"

(vodka yanno--wince)

I think I'll go lie down for a few years.



(and GG? Thanks for the giggles girlie--I'll be in touch soon.)

and hugs for everybody. OW. gentle hugs


littlewing
Member Rara Avis
since 2003-03-02
Posts 9655
New York
31 posted 2004-12-07 07:36 PM


ok, Lady, you are in deep trouble (again)
I am tearing up at school here.

This is so beautiful, Karen.  Did the same to my grandmother's house so long ago, I know she did not mind, and of course your Dad is smiling.  There is life there again.

This just makes me wish I could hug you.
(Happy Birthday . . .)

serenity blaze
Member Empyrean
since 2000-02-02
Posts 27738

32 posted 2004-12-10 03:50 PM


Hugging you all.

Wouldja believe I came back to save my own poem? (I seldom save my stuff)

But this one I'd like to share with the family, as today is my father-in-law's actual birthday.

And besides the house that we're living in now, Mr. B also left us with a truck and a car--fully paid and meticulously cared for, as he was quite persnickety about them.

And as fate would have it, just today my husband was driving the car, and was rear-ended on the I-10, forcing him to rear end another vehicle. (the hubby is fine, and actually, the car is in pretty good shape--it's a Crown Victoria and they can take quite a punch.)

The driver who caused the damage fled the scene, but not before the hubby caught the plate number.

But anyhoo, at the moment of impact, my hubby, through habit, immediately thought, "Dad is gonna kill me."

Then he realized...

Funny, but it has been three years and it still hasn't quite sunk in.

But I told the hubby that perhaps this was his Dad's way of saying "hey."

And you'd have to know the long family history of the two of them, and all the various vehicular mishaps to be amused by the synchronicity of today.

"Happy Birthday" indeed, Mr. B.

and thanks for looking out for us.

Because you see, while waiting for the police to arrive, there was a five car pile up right next to the accident scene, and miraculously, no one was injured.

*shaking my head*

I'm gonna go bake another cake.

Thanks for reading.

Dark Angel
Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095

33 posted 2005-03-08 05:12 PM


This m'lady brought tears and smiles, I can't believe I missed it.

I echo Bro Ed and Kari...

love you

Mxx

and i knew in the crystalline knowledge of you
~Buckingham/Nicks

muted
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Elite
since 2004-01-15
Posts 2949
Elapsing, Eclipsing, Evolving
34 posted 2005-03-08 10:10 PM


gave me chills, felt this....

enjoyed this


Post A Reply Post New Topic ⇧ top of page ⇧ Go to Previous / Newer Topic Back to Topic List Go to Next / Older Topic
All times are ET (US). All dates are in Year-Month-Day format.
navwin » Archives » Open Poetry #34 » talking to the dead (happy birthday mr. "b")

Passions in Poetry | pipTalk Home Page | Main Poetry Forums | 100 Best Poems

How to Join | Member's Area / Help | Private Library | Search | Contact Us | Login
Discussion | Tech Talk | Archives | Sanctuary