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Open Poetry #5
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Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California

0 posted 2000-01-13 05:12 AM


PLEASE, DAD

As soft winds sweep away the days
I look back on life through a haze.
Remember playgrounds, parks and friends,
In childlike gaze that never ends.
The laughter in a game of catch,
Shall memory ever attach...
To innocence in youthful eyes,
Catching the ball to Dad's surprise.

I recall my first bike, first wreck,
Who picked me up, said, "What the heck?"
Convinced me to give one more try,
While, knees skinned, I forgot to cry.
Just the joy knowing he was there,
Making him proud my only care.
There was nothing I couldn't do,
My heart held fast that to be true.

Though teenage years were kind of rough,
I sure wasn't too big or tough.
You taught me to defend what's right
And never back down from a fight.
So I learned the hard way to stand,
Still, with each lump, I found your hand.
Drawing from you an inner strength,
And stubborn pride of equal length.

But there the line of fate was drawn,
As though I blinked and you were gone.
I found myself facing the sun,
Not man, not boy, fatherless, one.
Eyes blinded by a void inside,
I could not live that you had died.
Alas finding it to be true,
I could do nothing without you.

Please, Dad, today just hear my call,
I'm sorry that I dropped the ball.
My life is wrecked, my knees are skinned,
My emotions undisciplined.
I can't get up although I try,
Please don't be upset if I cry.
Though I can't fight what I can't see,
Please, Dad, say you're still proud of me.


Michael Anderson
< !signature-->

 It's the little things you take for granted,
That'll mean the most to you when they're gone.






[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 01-13-2000).]

© Copyright 2000 Michael Anderson - All Rights Reserved
Marge Tindal
Deputy Moderator 5 ToursDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384
Florida's Foreverly Shores
1 posted 2000-01-13 06:32 AM


Michael -

I would think any father would
be very proud of this and of the
man who wrote it.

Very nicely said.

Love ~*Marge*~


 ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~
noles1@totcon.com


neitham
Junior Member
since 1999-12-29
Posts 42
India
2 posted 2000-01-13 06:53 AM


Michael,
Very universal, very emotional, but most of all, you expressed your thoughts very well.
I am sure, your dad would be very proud of you..loking at you from high above...

neitham

Meadowmuse
Member Elite
since 1999-12-27
Posts 3263

3 posted 2000-01-13 06:56 AM


Michael, superb, and obviously from personal experience. You've written from your heart's pen. THank you for sharing this striking poem here.

Dear LadyClaire


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

4 posted 2000-01-13 08:02 AM


Please, Dad, today just hear my call,
I'm sorry that I dropped the ball.
My life is wrecked, my knees are skinned,
My emotions undisciplined.
I can't get up although I try,
Please don't be upset if I cry.
Though I can't fight what I can't see,
Please, Dad, say you're still proud of me.

Especially loved these last lines Michael, brought tears to my eyes.
Your Dad is very proud of you Michael!!

Beautiful poem!!


 What comes from the heart goes to the heart.
Samuel Coleridge



Sally S.
Senior Member
since 1999-06-07
Posts 847
Ohio
5 posted 2000-01-13 09:31 AM


Michael,
This is the most touching poem I've read in quite some time!!  I can't imagine losing my Dad...this had me in tears.  It's an excellent poem and I know he must be very proud and touched by your words.  I've always felt our loved ones who've passed can hear us, somehow.  Be well, my friend.  Hugs, Sally

whiskey
Deputy Moderator 1 Tour
Senior Member
since 1999-12-28
Posts 1278
Australia
6 posted 2000-01-13 09:42 AM


This is so moving , I bet your dad is proud of you , Wonderful poem Michael

caroline
Senior Member
since 1999-08-16
Posts 1218
http://members.xoom.com/belladona123/index.htm
7 posted 2000-01-13 09:53 AM


Very moving, Michael, and it hits home for me in a personal way. Thank you for sharing this intensely emotional poem.

 It's not the love you fear, but the fall from the height~Edwin McCain



Denise
Moderator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-08-22
Posts 22648

8 posted 2000-01-13 10:26 AM


This has touched me too, Michael. Believe me, he's proud of you and smiling down on you right now!  

 Denise


suthern
Deputy Moderator 1 TourDeputy Moderator 1 Tour
Member Seraphic
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723
Louisiana
9 posted 2000-01-13 10:41 AM


So beautiful, Michael... and such a poignant plea for a pride I'm sure would never waver.

Though he's no longer at your side
Even death can't stop a father's pride
He gave you all those memories
Suspecting a time would come to be
When you'd have to remember, not feel his touch
For his hand wouldn't be there for you to clutch
But his love and pride and all his care
Are still yours to help you bear
Whatever comes. And I'm sure your Dad
Would look at you and be so glad
To call you his son. You still have his love
Though he now waits for you in heaven above.

Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
10 posted 2000-01-13 11:22 AM


Thank you all for your replies.  As this was a very personal piece for me, I appreciate your compassion.  It's nearing the anniversary of my father's death in '93.  It's hit me kind of hard this year.

Suthern, your words have touched me deeply, thank you so much.


Michael



[This message has been edited by Michael (edited 01-13-2000).]

kitkat
Senior Member
since 2000-01-11
Posts 878
Nova Scotia
11 posted 2000-01-13 11:36 AM


Michael, I agree with everyone. Your Dad is proud of you. You have a very important talent in your writing and he knows that.
Seymour Tabin
Member Empyrean
since 1999-07-07
Posts 31720
Tamarac Fla
12 posted 2000-01-13 11:40 AM


Micheal,
A wonderful poem and you are right It doesn't hit you till later, it was that way
with my dad. This one is a keeper you can pull it out every once in a while to reread.
Sy.

cokey_95
Junior Member
since 2000-01-08
Posts 35

13 posted 2000-01-13 11:42 AM


As tom. comes it will be 3 yrs since i lost my mom..my biggest worry is that she will look down on me and not be proud..or worse yet be disappointed in what i have become.  There are lots of days where i lose my will to live...good thing my son is here to "anchor" me.    If you ever care to talk..  

[This message has been edited by cokey_95 (edited 01-13-2000).]

Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354
Listening to every heart
14 posted 2000-01-13 11:49 AM


Both of your Fathers are very pleased with who you are, who you've listened to, and the one that you've become.

Kudos, Michael.

 Sunshine
Look, then, into thine heart, and write ~~~ Henry Wadsworth Longfellow



Michael
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-13
Posts 7666
California
15 posted 2000-01-13 02:37 PM


Thanks to you all for the encouraging words.  cokey, my son has been the anchor in my life as well, it seems we have a lot in common.  I will send you an email.  

Michael

poetFemmeFatale
Member Elite
since 1999-07-25
Posts 2646
Arkansas
16 posted 2000-01-13 04:21 PM


Michael, usually our dads see us through eyes different than our own....They don't see our falls, and mishaps, our poor choices, our *wrecks*.....I guess what I'm trying to say, is that because they love us so, they don't see our failures as we do.  I know at times I'm way too hard on myself, and yet my dad looks on with a fatherly pride at what he sees!  It's amazing!  I think our father up above is the best example of this.  Don't be so hard on yourself.  We've all wrecked, we've all got skinned knees, but alas, someone loves us more than we can imagine, and I know your dad is very proud of you.  Both of your fathers are.  I am too.  

This poem has allowed me to see into you so intimately....the side of you, you probably try to keep hidden most times.  It's not easy to admit when you've stumbled....I look up to you for that.  You have more strength than you know sir.   Gen


 ** I'm reaching for the brightest star I've ever seen - knock my ladder out from under me, and you'll wish you hadn't !! -pFF ** Here's to 2000!

Elizabeth Santos
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-11-08
Posts 9269
Pennsylvania
17 posted 2000-01-13 04:59 PM


Michael,
A very endearing tribute to your father and a true indication of the love between you and your son.
Very touching
Liz

Nan
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-20
Posts 21191
Cape Cod Massachusetts USA
18 posted 2000-01-13 06:01 PM


He has much to be proud of, my friend.... Rest assured - He is...
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