Stories My Father Told Me

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Sat, 22 Feb 2014
  • 1683 reads
10 comments
 
Hungry to learn then, I was.
Excited by that crazy, hula-hoop of a thing
we call the world – head spinning, ear
down to the rail, hearing it zing
before the train arrived.
 
You taught me to fly a kite – I broke 
the string to set it free, until it tangled in a tree.
I burst into tears and you dried them
with your sleeve; explained about being
cruel to be kind, and I told you
I understood. Trouble is
 
I need you to teach me now...how I can 
stand at your grave, tell you ‘Rest in Peace’, 
when I want to see you in your brown tweed cap, 
smell the smoke from your pipe tobacco...
see you smile, hear your laughter?
 
Want you to sit on my bed – read me stories,
tell me to sleep tight, and not to let those bed-bugs
bite, and I want to fall asleep dreaming of
Happy Ever Afters, not Once Upon a Times.
Certificate PG
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Love

Comments

Submitted by Jewel Serpent on

Startlingly emotional. I loved the way this wove in and out through a lifetime. It's a fine piece of work and one that you should be extremely proud of. This is what it means to be a writer. 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

My thanks to you, JS. 

Hope your Sunday is a peaceful one.smiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

Tina, I've been musing on this. It is so good to have that picture of happy father-child fun and involvement. I've been working on a little piece recently about a father who just couldn't get involved with his child/children, seemed unable to, and the mother had difficulties too, and see the results of that, though not abuse, still handicapping the growing children. Also see some of the roots going back to the parents' own childhood problems, but see the younger generation  responding to warmth even in adulthood and being enabled to break the cycle to some extent.

So, I did enjoy your memories, even if you sometimes would like to go back to those times! Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Many thanks for reading, and for your thoughts.  I shall look forward to reading that 'little piece', Rhiannon, and shall keep my eyes peeledsmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by RJF on

This beautifully describes the pain and frustration of finding yourself without the unconditional love of an irreplaceable Dad. I'm sure lots of people will identify with it, me included. Really wonderful. R

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thanks, RJF.  Much appreciatedsmiley

Tina

 

Submitted by Bee on

Hi Tina.

This brought home the simple truth to me that no matter how 'grown-up' we get to be, when it comes to our parents, a part of us is still very much a child at heart. For me, your poem tells not only of the longing, but also gives a glimps of the man. Lovely writing. And you always make the last line count.

Bee

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

How right you are, Bee, about part of us being still very much a child...a strong believer, as I am, in the philosophy that childhood is a place, not a time.

Your words, more than appreciated.

Tina

 

Submitted by Denzella on

Tina,

Wonderful again.  Was this poem inspired by the previous one?  They seem to be a pair. Was this deliberate or did it just happen?   Either way, your love for your parents and their love for you shine through your words.

Moya

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

My word you have been busy this morning, Moya.  Appreciate it, no end.  As to your question, it just seemed to happen that waysmiley

Have a sunny Monday.

Tina