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jjote
Senior Member

since 2002-12-25

Posts 1088
Ontario, Canada

0 posted 2016-04-26 01:31 AM

[remembering my dad]

In his face is something
of a reflected cloud
the startled look of a
deep dreamer atop a
tower, jostled awake-
remembering his past
a mere expedition
too futile and hazy
into his aging years

He picks up threads of a
conversation as if
these were suspended in
the air, a fallout of
memories buried deep
in old caskets. He sits
in his own world, nothing
seems to propel him back
to familiar faces.

It gives me the shivers
being in his presence.
I hold his hand as we
watch the last of day’s light
takes on the color of
ripe squash, the ground and trees
as well - we are a scene
of seeming divergence -

grey-white head in the dusk,
my anxious face seeking
comfort in the shadows
surrounding us in peace.

@jjote - 04/25/2016

latearrival
Member Ascendant

since 2003-03-21

Posts 5499
Florida

1 posted 2016-04-26 02:24 AM

jjote. Very nicely written. I also watched the last days of my Dad.and also my mom, and husband. It is something that needs to be done. I felt at peace knowing I was with them and shared their Last hours. Best to you, Jo

JerryPat2
Member Laureate

since 2011-02-06

Posts 16975
South Louisiana

2 posted 2016-04-26 08:52 AM

Deeply moving, jjote . . . when that times come, it is good that someone will hold a hand and comfort them as best they can.

~ If they give you ruled paper, write sideways. ~

Cari
Member
Posts 411
Englnand

3 posted 2016-04-26 10:30 AM

Yes the door we all have to pass through and a sad time for all we leave behind. Though, in the circumstances you describe maybe a happy release from pain that cannot be healed and escape to pastures new.

At times like this I am reminded of the marching bands in the Deep South. The slow march to the graveside followed by the exuberance of march back knowing they have left us for a far better place.

jwesley
Member Rara Avis

since 2000-04-30

Posts 7563
Spring, Texas

4 posted 2016-04-26 12:31 PM

Never knew my dad - left us when I was barely two - never bothered to contact us (me) again.
So, I've tried to be a better dad, and love it when others love theirs...

Good write.

j.

Ari Squire
Member
Posts 488
In The Phallus Lane

5 posted 2016-04-26 08:23 PM

I suspect this was a difficult poem to write, full of warmth and emotion.

More feelings and fewer words please

JamesMichael
Member Empyrean

since 1999-11-16

Posts 33336
Kapolei, Hawaii, USA

6 posted 2016-04-27 10:14 PM

fine writing on a subject we all share...james

Pete_W
Member
Posts 185
Scotland (UK)

7 posted 2016-05-08 08:18 PM

That last stanza is oh so poignant, well written. Thanks.

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