Dear Dad

By skinner_jennifer

Tue, 25 Sep 2012
  • 8858 reads
24 comments
 

Like hungry mice gnawing through wood,
the ruination of cancer ate away at your body,
my inconsolable tears sting my eyes as I touch
your hands, chest expands then contracts for the
last time, you then slowly slip away before my eyes.

Holding you in high regard...you left your mark,
now this room's an empty void...echoes of an invisible
memory, the warmth that once was you now icy cold,

a childhood filled with dreams of what would never be,
paths rugged, leading down to the sea. We sat on the
harbour wall, our fingers salty from fish and chips,
while cruel, biting winds threatened to drive us home.
But you loved the wildness and said there's nothing like
it, so we sat there watching wave upon wave, smash
those massive rocks.

Do you remember, you held my hand...clenched tight,
as we ran along the bluff? I so scared, I thought I'd be
blown away on a gust of wind, but you held on to me.
'One day,' you said, 'We'll cross the skyline.' Now I scan
the horizon, crossing in lucid dreams, for dear dad that's
all I have left, in these far off photographs of another time.

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Comments

Submitted by Highhat on
Nice for you to be left with good memories from your childhood. It's sad the empty places that are left when dear ones pass away. I'm sure your Dad knows your thoughts Jenny wherever he is now. a moving poem full of emotion and grief and love for your Dad. ;)Pia

Submitted by Sooz006 on
Jenny this is beautiful.

 

Submitted by Denzella on
Jenny, This was such a sad but brave write. You expressed love for your Dad so well even though it was through the tears of loss. This poem has real emotional heart and I thought it was absolutely beautiful. Moya
 

Submitted by ScoZen on
Jen. With the others on this sad memory. Regards x
ScoZen

Submitted by The Talisman on
I try as hard as I can, to make a lifetime of wonderment and memories for my children, such as these. I know they will remember me with the same amount of love that you obviously had (and have) for your father. Loved the poem.

Submitted by Silver Spun Sand on
A beautiful poem, Jenny, seemingly written from the heart. The best kind;-) Tina

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Thankyou so much Pia for those lovely sentiments. I have been thinking a lot about my parents of late, and feel their presence close at times, it's very comforting. I'm very grateful to you for reading and leaving a comment. Thanks again. Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi Sooz, what a wonderful thing to say. I'm glad you liked this one, your comment means a lot. Thanks for reading. Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi there ScoZen, glad to know you read this poem and thankyou so much for letting me know, always appreciated. Jenny.x

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Thankyou so much for those kind words The Talisman. You know the wonder of those memories is triggered by photos, we have many photo albums, which I love to sit and look at every once in a while, when I can remember moments that bring a smile to my face, then know that I was extremely lucky to have such a wonderful childhood. I hope that you are able to have many fun experiences with your family, ones that your children will cherish, when they are older. Again much appreciate you letting me know and thankyou again. Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Good afternoon Tina, gosh I've been so overwhelmed with the response to this piece, it's very moving. I have to say I feel my mum and dads spirit around me a lot lately, I can't explain the feeling, but it's just there. I have a feeling that you know what I'm talking about. It was good of you to read this piece of nostalgia, and understand where I'm coming from. Thankyou for reading and appreciate you letting me know. Jenny.

 

Submitted by steve_elliott04 on
Jenny, this is a evocative and emotionally stirring write. I think the last two stanzas are what really bring a sense of reality into being, rooting all the powerful emotions portrayed here to a simple, beautiful memory. This comes through incredibly well with the image of the hand 'clenched tight', rooting you in the 'wildness'. Truly wonderful! Steve

Submitted by TVR on
Hiya, Jen. This was such a lovely poem about your dad, very sad and touching of course, but your thoughts were so beautifully put into words it was a thoroughly enjoyable read. Such a fine and worthy tribute, rich in poignancy and lasting memories. Well done, honey-bus. Really felt for you in this one. Trev

TVR

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Good afternoon Steve, your comment was truely appreciated. It means a lot to know that you found it so moving. Makes writing all the more worth while. Thankyou so much. Jenny.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi Trev, again you've cheered me up with your wonderful comment. Thankyou so much for reading this piece, it means a lot. Jenny.

 

Submitted by MS on
Memories like these are all we can truely leave behind. Great poetry.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Thanks MS, and I totally agree with you about the memories. Again thankyou for reading and leaving a comment, always appreciated. Jenny.

 

Submitted by russiandoll on
Jennifer this is so moving, there is no moment quite so intimate as being with someone you love profoundly at their last. I found it felt like an enormous privelege but also knew it would haunt me ever after. I agree with your Dad that there is nothing like the wildness, there's something very reassuring in watching the show nature puts on from time to time - especially with chips in hand :) Did you ever take anyone else to the spot, or somewhere similar to make the memory into a tradition? I like to do that sometimes, makes me feel like I can keep certain things going in a new evolution. Hugs. xx

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi russiandoll, what a great name, I like that. Yes you're right about it being moving, seeing my dad take his last breath, although it was also very spiritual and he was in his own bedroom at home when he died. I found it extremely hard at the time to come to terms with not being able to speak to him, but now I feel him all around me, I can't explain the feeling, I just know he's there. He died in 2004, so a lot of time has passed since his death. It's great to be able to write down my feelings and memories, especially at this time of the year. The place my memory of childhood with my dad, was in Cornwall St Ives. I have been back there a couple of times with my partner, but it's never the same, St Ives has changed so much since the 1960s, which is where my memories are. The last time two times I've been there, I sprained my ankle, now whether that was an omen not to go back, I don't know, but I haven't been back since. I feel quite happy now with the photos I have and that's all I need. Thankyou for your indepth comment, it's much appreciated. Also hope you didn't mind my ramblings, but thanks for reading. Jenny.xx

 

Submitted by scratch on
Evocative and moving a piece of writing that puts me in mind of some of my own memories.

 

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi there scratch, thankyou for stopping by and reading this one, your comment is much appreciated. Jenny.

 

Submitted by scratch on
The pleasure was mine jenny I can assure you.

 

Submitted by innes-may on
What a rich and rewarding poem to read. I loved the last section, so visual. I similarly have been feeling the presence and influence of a parent who's gone; it's such a strange, sad, but lovely feeling, it's quite hard to put it into words but you've done an excellent job here. Innes x

Innes x

Submitted by skinner_jennifer on
Hi innes, what a truely great comment. It's so good to know others feel their loved ones around them after they've passed on. I always feel it a great comfort and hope that you too get comfort as well. I greatly appreciate you taking the time to read and also for letting me know. Thankyou so much and Peace be with you. Jenny.x