Sitting on my father’s shoulders;
Smiling oh so secretly,
Watching leaves curl up the roadside,
feeling the soothing southern breeze.
I felt content upon those shoulders,
I felt so safe so confident,
For I was safe and so sure of all things,
That this was time so well spent.
My father, a man so rugged,
With crystal eyes he shone at me.
And he would smile and I would blossom,
For on his shoulders I would be.
Yet time is cold, Its pathways hardened ,
And age has left its bitter stain.
The man I knew has left me standing,
By an open dampened grave.
He left me yet he’s with me still;
Those memories they never die;
I take them all and wrap them round me,
Even though they make me cry.
And now I am a father myself,
And on my shoulders my daughter sits,
I hear her laugh with fruity candour;
And I know just what she thinks.
For sitting on my fathers shoulders,
I thought that I could see the world,
That I could see more than he could wonder;
I did not know that he did know.
Because its not the view that matters,
It’s the person that hold you up.
And as my father stopped me falling,
I stop her falling just as much.
We need each other on this journey,
We cannot do it all alone.
And the view we see is shared in glory,
Held up by others…we’re not alone…
For my dad.
Comments
Highhat | December 3, 2011 - 07:45
Very good- such good memories and a lovely way to see the world as a child. I used to put my son on my shoulders as well. Funny how kids still feel safe there isn't it?
;)Pia
oldpesky | December 3, 2011 - 13:55
Nice one alpha. Well done on the cherries. Hope you're well.
scratch | December 3, 2011 - 15:34
Alpha, at no point did this descend into sentimentality, just genuine, heartfelt, well-chosen words that come together to form a memorable poem which I truly believe will, at some time be read well beyond the confines of this (great) writing site.
Well done
alphadog1 | December 3, 2011 - 17:34
thanks so much to everyone's comments... I am humbled by any cherry I get (and again a first draft. I have been thinking about writing it for ages but never had the guts till last night. I was afraid of falling into cliche... whether it's read beyond this truly great writing site, I don't know. But being among such great writers as you all are, and finding such powerful stories and poems to read is always inspiring. Thanks to all of you. because I am a child who sits on shoulders of wiser and better people than I.
alphadog1 | December 3, 2011 - 19:55
yes again this came as such a shock. I had three first drafts to mess with. Thanks for liking it; I have posted my sincere thanks below, There is a sense of safety that my daughter feels, I spent most of the week musing on the idea, but was afraid that when it came it would be so cliche, that I was scared to even try. I am still feeling pretty sick; and I have a scan in two weeks for the pain in my side. Everything is taking ages... But what matters is the work; I don't write for money, I write for love. I write because not to write leaves me feeling at a loss as what to do.
You dear Pia are a very great talent. As are pretty much all the writers on this site. I am grateful that so many people are allowed to express their hearts, without fear of condemnation. So in many ways you and all the writers poets and artist's who contribute to this truly fantastic place, are the father upon who I -the child- sit.
I have an idea for a screen play, is there anywhere here I can post it for viewing and sharing?
alphadog1 | December 3, 2011 - 19:57
Thanks so much dear Old pesky, may your path be free from pain. re my health... deteriorating... but I am determined to get the poetry book finished.
oldpesky | December 6, 2011 - 10:13
Hello again alpha. You can post your screenplay in the Stories section. I don't know much about reading or writing screenplays but there's someone on the forum who has. See this link for details of their's -
http://www.abctales.com/story/maudsy/myth-modern-fable-day-1-screenplay-...
Maybe have a wee read and ask them to have a look at yours. Best of luck.
alphadog1 | December 6, 2011 - 15:40
sure, when I have finished my chapter on philosophy... i am attempting an OU degree in the arts... and at the moment reading about Plato and his main character Socrates... The laches... I think it will add to my writing, if I get the premise and conclusion the right way around... Blood test results coming in tomorrow when I see the doctor...I will keep people informed.
oldpesky | December 7, 2011 - 14:33
Best of luck today, alpha.
alphadog1 | December 7, 2011 - 14:39
Thanks dear Old pesky. In fact I've just come back. I have been told I have Heppatitis of the liver. the scan might show why, though I have been told to stop drinking alcohol. I am still losing weight. I have spoken to a local bookseller and sent her a small collection of my best poetry in the hope that she might know someone who might know someone else... also I might be setting up a writing group here in Steyning. I need to keep active, both mentally and physically.
shyrewode | December 15, 2011 - 19:49
Very moving. It brought back memories of my dad for me. thank you.
alphadog1 | December 15, 2011 - 20:19
thank you. I am grateful that you like it.