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Joyce Johnson

Member Rara Avis

since 2001-03-10

Posts 9912
Washington State

0 posted 2001-06-02 03:45 PM

(I have written two versions of this poem. One is unrhymed and is posted in Passions 14, where it is moving into oblivion. This is my rhymed version. Joyce)

My siblings protest my propensity for calling him "MY Dad",
As if I had some other father, that neither of them had.
I smile and deny, but secretly I hold onto my claim.
Next time I'll most likely forget again and use this special name.

I know I held a sacred place in the heart of this quiet man.
To his daughter, after four tall sons, he bacame a devoted fan.
I keep a picture on my wall, for everyone to see,
Of myself as a baby on his lap; he has eyes for none but me.

We'd get a stickery whisker rub, when he kissed us all goodnight,
For the shave he'd had in the morning, would be gone by end of light.
No matter how dull the sermon, sitting by him in church was a treat.
Since he couldn't chew tobacco, there were cinnamon candies to eat.

When his old tractor needed a part, it would mean a trip into town.
We kids thought it a lucky thing, when he had another breakdown;
For we knew our sweet old Daddy, could not pass a candy store.
We'd start exploring his pockets when he walked in through the door.

He had this deep and foghorn voice, but he always kept it low.
Never raising it to us in anger, there was no need to you know.
We were always obedient out of love for him, our gentle father.
And we were the best things in his life, except of course, our mother.

By Joyce 06/02/01

[This message has been edited by Joyce Johnson (edited 06-02-2001).]

Romy
Senior Member

since 2000-05-28

Posts 1170
Plantation, Florida

1 posted 2001-06-02 04:00 PM

This is so lovely and heartfelt! I really enjoyed reading it from start to finish. It's such a nice tribute to a wonderful father who obviously has given you so much love!

Debbie

Trillium

Member Patricius

since 2001-03-09

Posts 12098
Idaho, USA

2 posted 2001-06-03 08:48 PM

Joyce: A truly beautiful poem about your father. He would be so proud of you if he could ready your poetry. Who knows, maybe he can!

Betty Lou Hebert

Denise

Moderator

Member Seraphic

since 1999-08-22

Posts 22648

3 posted 2001-06-05 08:53 PM

This is a great tribute to him, Joyce! Very touching!

deleeme
Senior Member

since 1999-10-09

Posts 1766
NEW ENGLAND, USA

4 posted 2001-06-05 10:44 PM

Joyce,
I did not read the unrhymed version from before- but this on is in mighty good form & substance. A very touching and loving tribute- a wonderful piece!!!
Thanks for taking the time to share it with us here. David

No Better Place do I know
Than where Hearts knit as
one,
For in that grand
experience,
The Better ALL become.

God Bless us All!!!

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