Thought I’d bring you these;
you always liked daffodils.
OK. I know I should visit more,
yet in a strange kind of way,
feel closer than ever before.
Never told you this, but often,
as a kid, I hated you. Dreaded
those times Mum said, “Say
goodbye to your dad. He’s off
abroad again.” Boot’s on the other
foot now, as the old adage goes.
Chris is forever complaining,
says I’m never at home.
But I’ve a job to do – bills
have to be paid. I just go
where I’m sent – where the
work is. Isn’t that right? Beggars
can’t be choosers. Chances are
my youngest hates me too
and who could blame him?
Incidentally – dead spit of you;
same shaped face.
I’ll put these flowers in water –
best throw last time’s away. Felt
a drop or two of rain then. Nippy
up here; it sure does blow a gale!
Fantastic view though. Shame
you can’t appreciate it … or
maybe you can. Who knows?
So – I’ll be off then. Plane
to catch. Sounds familiar, eh?
Oh … and, Dad …
same time next year?
Comments
Dynamaso | April 10, 2009 - 04:47
This is a beautiful piece, Tina. It reminded me that my Dad used to go away a lot when I was a child too. I missed him terribly and, like you, hated him for leaving. But I was the happiest kid in the world when he came home.
Ewan | April 10, 2009 - 06:24
I liked this. It reminded me a little of Cat's in the Cradle by Harry Chapin; but this is a such a universal experience, isn't it?
Beautifully constructed with separate stanzas concentrating on each generation, if you see what I mean. Great voice poem too, with the use of 'dead spit' 'boot on the.etc' lending a real credibility to it.
Marvellous.
Silver Spun Sand | April 10, 2009 - 12:26
Dynamaso, thanks. Glad you could identify with it. It's a tough life, being a kid, sometimes and an even tougher one, being a parent.
Tina
Silver Spun Sand | April 10, 2009 - 12:29
Thanks Ewan:-) 'Cat's in the Cradle' most definitely. Such a haunting song that many of will never forget.
Tina
shoebox | April 11, 2009 - 06:28
There's something so natural here. Of course, the British expressions are appealing to me (I rarely hear any). I like your writing a lot. When I see your name, I stop.
Silver Spun Sand | April 11, 2009 - 08:36
Hi there, shoebox! That's nice to hear. You've made my day. Thank you:-)
Tina
MistakenMagic | April 11, 2009 - 17:14
I agree with everything that's been said! Another wonderful poem Tina ;) One that is begging to be read out loud! And the structure really adss to it - as Ewans says; one for every generation. Brilliant piece.
Magic xxx
threeleafshamrock | April 12, 2009 - 13:31
Hi Tina, got some catching up to do with friends work here...and what a good place to start!
Like this a lot and agree that it would be a great 'read aloud' piece. Nice one
Chris XX
Nathan Bednarek | April 14, 2009 - 17:31
Just beautiful.
Well done.
Love, Nathan.
Myndstorm | April 17, 2009 - 16:35
this totally strikes a chord in me.. it's like you never know what you have until it's gone. Fantastic. and i love the conversational tone.