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Open Poetry #46
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To Wish Upon Another Chance . . .
| Open Poetry #46 |
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To Wish Upon Another Chance . . . |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA 
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Dad, if I could just drop by once more To have a shot of whiskey, I’d gladly listen to your worn out tale About how you escaped the rattlesnakes In total darkness. I’d even happily listen To your laborious description Of telluride, and feldspar, and quartz, And fool’s gold . . . Dad, you could bore me to death, And I’d be so happy . . . |
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| © Copyright 2010 arthur chapman, jr - All Rights Reserved | |||
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
After Dad retired, he became a serious prospector. I'll never forget how he tunneled so deeply into those dark mountains just north of the city, using a star drill, dynamite, a pick and shovel, and a wheelbarrow, and his aging back. Art |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Art, This one is great. Your father was what I call a "Rock hound". That's great. I've always been a Rock hound myself. I did my rock hounding when I was a kid in South Central PA, in the Appalachian Mountains. Bobby |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Hey Bobby -- interesting, I didn't know you were a rock hound. I spent a lot of time on my Dad' claim on the slopes of the Sheep Mountains, and I learned a lot from him, especially about safely using dynamite; it was a thrill to feel the earth shake! Ah, the good old days gone by!  Thanks, my friend. Art |
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latearrival Member Ascendant
since 2003-03-21
Posts 5499Florida |
How sad the young have not the patience to listen to the old. Your thoughts are good reminders. latearrival |
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threadbear Senior Member
since 2008-07-10
Posts 817Indy |
I tell ya, Art: I could listen to old prospectors tales of early Alaska ALL DAY every day! I KNEW there was a reason your writing had the fresh feel of Americana to ya! A gentle father's voice is the most soothing sound for any son. Jeff |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
It is so true that we sometimes fail to fully appreciate our parents until they're gone from us. I try to instill in my children, even though they are adults, that we must spend as much time as possible enjoying the company of those who won't be around as the years go by. Thanks for your thoughtful comment, late arrival. Highest regards -- Art |
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gilead Senior Member
since 2008-03-10
Posts 1067nevada, USA |
Hello, Jeff. Dad was a dedicated rock hound, and sometimes his enthusiasm exceeded my youthful "impatience," but I cherish each moment I can remember hearing his voice, and being loved by him all the days of his life. Thanks for your kind comment.Best wishes -- Art |
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2islander2 Member Ascendant
since 2008-03-12
Posts 6825by the sea |
Hello Art, this poem is so emotional, this is a poignant hommage to your father and an inspiring love, it makes feel the u_nfairness of the time which pass...Thanks a lot yann |
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Earl Brinkman Senior Member
since 2010-03-03
Posts 1183Osaka, Japan |
Your words pay homage to your father. You are a good son. |
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Marchmadness Member Rara Avis
since 2007-09-16
Posts 9271So. El Monte, California |
Yes, Art, A good son and a good poet. Ida |
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Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648 |
I have a sneaking suspicion that our parents knew how much we would one day miss them. That's how smart they were! Great poem Art! |
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OwlSA Member Rara Avis
since 2005-11-07
Posts 9347Durban, South Africa |
Art, I love your poem for its beauty, its art, and the love it emanates. I envy you, your father, and I would have LOVED to hear his tale of the rattlesnakes (being an animal-lover of mega proportions and because we don't have rattlesnakes in South Africa, and their rattling tails hold such magic for me) and I would have been spellbound by his descriptions of the treaures (whether of monetary value or not) of the earth - no matter how many times he told me them. I am glad you are enjoying them in retrospect. The level of the pain of your loss, indicates the level of God's gift to you in the form of your father. You have been greatly blessed. Thank youf for another gilead-poem. Owl |
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Robert E. Jordan Member Rara Avis
since 2008-01-25
Posts 8541Philadelphia, Pennsylvania |
Yo Art, Your Father was a professional then. That's great. You were lucky to have a Dad that could explain things like that to you. Here's something you might find of interest: http://www.rockhoundkids.com/rh-gallery.html Bobby |
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Andrew Scott Member Elite
since 1999-06-24
Posts 2558Redlands,CA,USA |
Thankfully, I still have those opportunities. You're poem lets me know how lucky I am to have such. Peace to you and yours. "We'll chase them like rats across the tundra." |
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