The Most Special People

[Biggus]

I WISH I’D KNOWN MY DAD

I really wish I’d known my dad at a time before
He had to experience all the sufferings of war
A time when he was still footloose and fancy-free
A time when he was not yet trapped by poverty
I wish I’d know him while he still had his ideals
And life had not ground him beneath its heels
Before he was weighed down by responsibilities
The joys and burdens which come with families
I wish I’d known him before life had made him sad
When he was young and when he was jack the lad
At a time when it was not yet possible to trace
Where life’s hardships had been etched in his face
I wish I’d known dad when he was young and bold
Before the cancers grip had really taken hold
I wish I’d really known him before his early end
I think I would have liked to have called him friend

THE DAWN PASSING

Sun light pierced the darkness
Through unmet curtains
Spilling gentle early morning sun
On her quiet restful countenance
Facing the dawn
She lay on her side
Her hand supporting her pail cheek
She was at peace
Her three score year and ten served
Age and weariness had left her
And the pain, which hardens our features, was no more
As I held her cold hand
I remembered her warmth
And my mind was at once filled
With a lifetimes memories
Good memories
Warm and rich beyond price
Memories So vivid they might have been yesterday
My lips quivered
And my eyes filled with the sting of tears
Happy for the memories
But so sad for the loss
Then Suddenly The peace was broken
With the doctors heavy footfall on the stairs
So I kissed her gentle hand
And said my last goodbye to mum.

FATHER

I feel his hand on my shoulder
Reassuringly
When I am unsure of myself
Or hesitant
I see him watch me sagely
When I seek enlightenment
I see him smile with pride
When I succeed
Or with head inclined to comfort
When I fail
He is with me late at night
Watching Bogey and Bacall
I see his reflection on the lake
When I am fishing
And I hear him cheering loudly
Whenever we beat Australia
His smile sustains me
His words engage me
His strength supports me
His compassion inspires me
I shared joy with him
When my children were born
And sorrow when
My mother passed away
He stood behind me
In church on my wedding day
And beside me
At the reception when we toasted
At quiet moments I detect
The fragrance of old spice
Or the acrid tell tale aroma
Of his pipe tobacco
He is with me now
As I write these words
Though he has been dead
For nearly thirty years

[firefangled]

I WISH I’D KNOWN MY DAD

I really wish I’d known my dad at a time before
He had to experience all the sufferings of war
A time when he was still footloose and fancy-free
A time when he was not yet trapped by poverty
I wish I’d know him while he still had his ideals
And life had not ground him beneath its heels
Before he was weighed down by responsibilities
The joys and burdens which come with families
I wish I’d known him before life had made him sad
When he was young and when he was jack the lad
At a time when it was not yet possible to trace
Where life’s hardships had been etched in his face
I wish I’d known dad when he was young and bold
Before the cancers grip had really taken hold
I wish I’d really known him before his early end
I think I would have liked to have called him friend



Welcome, Biggus. These are all so full of love and I liked them all, but didn't make it through the first one before my eyes got blurry.

[Granny5]

Biggus, these are all so moving and beautiful. I too lost my parents, both when they were in their mid 40's and these poems touched me very deeply.
Thank you for sharing.

[Pendragon]

Wonderful poetry. I didn't think I was going to make it through the first one. I wish I had known my own dad as well, to call him friend, buddies; but he came back from Veitnam, he just never came home. He died about 5 years back, there was peace between us, but I never really knew the man. Your poetry is too touching for words...

http://i94.photobucket.com/albums/l108/AbsalomKane/EasterCross.gif

[Biggus]

Thank you all for your kind words