Open Poetry #12 |
The Day my Father Died |
Kethry Member Rara Avis
since 2000-07-29
Posts 9082Victoria Australia |
On the day my father died I could not be by his side He did not see the tears I cried The way I held the hurt inside On the day he died. He did not hear my words of love The prayers I prayed to God above The hope that rested like a dove That he might stay till I could move On that day he died. I wanted so, to hold his hand For him to know I'd understand If life wasn't all that he planned If he'd lost the last command On the day he died To see his smile one more time To hear from him one last rhyme To let him know that I'll be fine Are the things I wished were mine On the day he died. Because my life's filled to the brim And my work kept me from him I know this dream is just a whim He died, I wasn't there for him On the day he died. On the day my father died I stayed the tears, held back by pride I walked away half dead inside Not knowing why I had not cried On the day he died Now two years have come and gone My misery lives on and on Remembering all we could have done If I'd been where I belonged On the day he died. Those of us who refuse to risk and grow get swallowed up by life. Patty Hansen. [This message has been edited by Kethry (edited 03-16-2001).] |
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© Copyright 2001 Lynne Dale - All Rights Reserved | |||
Sudhir Iyer Member Ascendant
since 2000-04-26
Posts 6943Mumbai, India : now in Belgium |
Kethry, It is sad but well-written... Regards to you, Sudhir |
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2dalimit Member Elite
since 2000-02-08
Posts 2228Mississippi coast |
I feel your sorrow. But, your love shows, and he knew it. Take care. Melton |
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JamesMichael Member Empyrean
since 1999-11-16
Posts 33336Kapolei, Hawaii, USA |
That's sad Kethry...sorry you missed that opportunity...I was in Germany when my dad died in California and due to us not getting along I missed the last two years my dad was alive...now I wish we could have been closer...James |
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Sunshine
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-25
Posts 63354Listening to every heart |
Kethry....I am very sorry that you were not able to hold his hand as he passed on...you will always remember it, but do know, little one...he does not blame you...he understood, all along... p.s. change rembering to remembering...last stanza, third line... |
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Sven
since 1999-11-23
Posts 14937East Lansing, MI USA |
indeed. . . as Sunshine said. . . they never hold a grudge. . . this touched me today. . . reminding me of the night that I lost my own Father. . . so many years ago. . . thank you Kethry. . . -------------------------------------------------------- To the world, you may only be one person. But to one person, you may be the world. |
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suthern
since 1999-07-29
Posts 20723Louisiana |
The sadness and self-beratement are heart breaking... I know nothing can erase the sadness or regrets... but don't give yourself blame he'd never wish on you... I simply don't believe you could write with such love without having shown it... so he knew, dear lady... Remember the times you had together, not that one you missed... smile for him... and forgive his beautiful little girl. *S* Great poem! |
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Joyce Johnson
since 2001-03-10
Posts 9912Washington State |
Kethry. I am sorry for you that you missed being there, but the important thing is were you there at other times and did he know you loved him? I lost my son two years ago, also. What has saved my sanity is knowing I was always there when he needed me even though he died suddenly in his own bed and of course I couldn't tell him goodby. Love, Joyce |
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Trillium
since 2001-03-09
Posts 12098Idaho, USA |
A loss always is harder to bear when you don't get to say goodbye I think. I didn't get to say goodbye to my father either and never dreamed he would go at such a young age. However, we shared a loving relationship and even though we lived in different cities, the tie was always there. I hope you will find comfort soon. Betty Lou Hebert |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Kethry dear heart, this touched me deeply, it's a terrible thing when you don't get the chance to say one last time that you love someone. But then you know my views on that, there's not a day goes pass without me telling those they are loved by me that they are valued. This poem shows how very much your father was valued and loved by you and he knew that. It's a bond stronger that any chains and it will for all time link the two of you together. Wherever you are you hold him in your heart dear one, and memories don't really die, we just pretend they do. He is there beloved, and so are you. This is as always pure magic that you have written, utterly brilliant and the love you have shines through this illuminating it with wonder and love. Take care love as always Slushy Take back the hope you gave,- I claim Only a memory of the same Robert Browning |
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Marsha
since 2000-07-10
Posts 7423Maidstone Kent England |
Kethry dear heart, this touched me deeply, it's a terrible thing when you don't get the chance to say one last time that you love someone. But then you know my views on that, there's not a day goes pass without me telling those they are loved by me that they are valued. This poem shows how very much your father was valued and loved by you and he knew that. It's a bond stronger that any chains and it will for all time link the two of you together. Wherever you are you hold him in your heart dear one, and memories don't really die, we just pretend they do. He is there beloved, and so are you. This is as always pure magic that you have written, utterly brilliant and the love you have shines through this illuminating it with wonder and love. Take care love as always Slushy Take back the hope you gave,- I claim Only a memory of the same Robert Browning |
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Irish Rose Member Patricius
since 2000-04-06
Posts 10263 |
This is a beautiful tribute, Kethry. I believe in angels and I truly believe they are there when we cannot be. God bless you. Kathleen Blake "When red-haired girls scamper like roses over the rain-green grass, and the sun drips honey." Laurie Lee |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Kethry~ *Hugs* ... because I understand. Love ya' ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ [email protected] |
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Mother_Earth Senior Member
since 2000-11-20
Posts 13701/2 year Texas & 1/2 year Michigan |
Kethry, I didn't get to say good bye to either of my parents as they left me. It was years apart and so unexpected. We were not a family to show love and with my family, I am trying to change that. I talk to my mom sometimes and her angel is with me I am sure. We get along better now than when she was really here. Make sense? I am sure your Dad is with you at all times and you will be surprised when he lets you know. Be ready and be happy. Forgive yourself and hugs, ME |
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Katherine Chandler Member
since 2001-03-07
Posts 280Florida, USA |
For some reason the tears came down as I read this very poignant poem. Some things are not meant to be, perhaps you weren't there for a reason you're not aware of. Regardless, the poem spoke of love for a father. Be gentle with yourself.. Kate Genuine poetry can communicate before it is understood. T S Eliot |
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VAS Member Rara Avis
since 2000-11-16
Posts 7450Oregon |
I, too, was not with my dad when he died. I really could have been if I'd let myself go, away from work and being scheduled to sing a solo that coming Sunday in church...I really thought there was more time and I would be able to come later. But something was revealed to me the day of his funeral, e-mail me if you'd like to hear about it. Princess Pout made a very good point. I believe I got to find out why I was not there. |
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JLR Senior Member
since 2001-02-04
Posts 1785 |
I read this much earlier today...still not sure what to say. My relationship is not what I wish it was. But it is what it is. |
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
Kethry...sister mine...you cannot blame yourself for living your life...but I do know how you feel love...hugs to you |
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jonmcm Member
since 2000-10-11
Posts 222England |
Kethry, there is a lot of love expressed in this poem for your father, as well as there being regret. I will dwell on the love the poem expresses, it is much more constructive! Thinking of you Jon |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
To see his smile one more time To hear from him one last rhyme To let him know that I'll be fine Are the things I wished were mine On the day he died. ==================== you've done him proud with your own rhymes Keth ... perhaps his gift inherited to you well done tribute with a very clever rhyme scheme. hugs Keth. We wish ourselves beautiful, |
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nakdthoughts Member Laureate
since 2000-10-29
Posts 19200Between the Lines |
Kethry, I have kept away from reading this for as long as I can..for personal reasons...but you did a wonderful poem in his remembrance..huggzz ~Wynter "The worst prison would be a closed heart". |
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Balladeer
Administrator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-06-05
Posts 25505Ft. Lauderdale, Fl USA |
No doubt this one came straight from the heart, Kethry....beautiful work,, |
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