One Man and his Dog

Cherry

By Silver Spun Sand

Mon, 14 Dec 2015
  • 3218 reads
8 comments
 
Your gift – ribbon tied, sits, ungiven
still, beneath the tree; a mere bottle of Port, 
but a vintage one, I think...not that I know much
about that sort of thing.
 
The tree, a Nordman Pine; needles
dropping already.  No idea why I bother...
liar that I am.  A ‘man of the land’, as you are,
I do it for you, even though
 
each year I tell myself I’ll get artificial...
next time.  If there is one, maybe I will.
 
Your glass of mulled wine grows ever colder,
as does mine...and the candle weeps wax tears
on my best, linen cloth.  
 
Couldn’t give a damn, though; the only thing
matters – you haven’t showed.
 
I’m not even fazed the Christmas pudding
I made will go untouched.  Can’t stand the stuff,
and yet, in your younger days, that is, enough
for you was never enough, if you recall...
 
Or the hassle I had, to make a Yorkshire 
so it rose, ready to greet you at half-past one...
when you’d said you might, possibly,  drop by.
 
Even a card would have been nice, 
but never mind; I’ve still got last year’s
in the draw, somewhere...
 
Yes. Here it is; one man and his dog.
Such a tasteful choice, but then, 
that’s you...all over; it’s in the genes.
I’ll pop it in pride of place on a window-ledge.
 
It comes out fresh again...don’t you agree,
and who’s to know? Except me, of course.
 
The fire’s snuffed it, and I’m right
out of logs, so, maybe, I’ll open that Port.
Just a drop, you understand.  It’ll warm me up.
 
Could keep it, I suppose, till next Christmas,
or another of your birthdays, fool that I am.
 
So then, let’s drink; here’s to absent friends, 
Auld Lang Syne, naturally...
and, to you, Son. 
Certificate 12
Poem
Silver Spun Sand Poems
Inspiration Point (work that responds to our weekly writing cue)

Comments

Submitted by MarciaMarcia on

I know now, how very privileged I am to be able to read such a story, as you have written here. 

I thank you Silver Spun Sand

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

And I know how very privileged I am to be aquainted with such lovely people as yourself, Marica. Many thanks for your words

Tina

 

Submitted by Rhiannonw on

As usual, you draw the picture well.

So many breakdowns in relationship, and probably both would love to be able to forgive, forget, break the communication barrier and resentments … Rhiannon

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Thank you Rhiannon.  Such truth you speak, as ever, and if only....

Tina

 

Submitted by blackjack-davey on

great insight into mother son relationship, subtly done and the mum without bitterness... initially it might be a poem to a lover

son conveyed well with his monster appetities and perhaps a genetic predisposition for being on his own-- are these presents dusted off each year?

go artificial, less painful

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

Couldn't agree with you more, bjd, about artificial.

Thanks, so much, for your insightful comments.

Tina

 

Submitted by luigi_pagano on

The idea of melding the son's indifferent detachment with the festive season is inspirational, Tina. Written in your inimitable style it was a pleasure to read.
I think I'll join you with a glass of Port to celebrate the advent of a new year and to wish you Season's greetings.

Luigi xxx

 

 

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on

And your comments, as ever, a delight to read, Luigi.  Thanks, so much for taking time to pop by...mind you, I did mention 'Port', didn't I...so what else, indeed, would I expect?smiley

Here's to you and yours, Luigi, and a happy, healthy and fulfilling 2016.

Tina xxx