The Daddy Daughter Dance Has Been Postponed

I don't know how to do this dance myself.
I am an adult orphan and I am unsure of the steps.
Through the passage of time our relationship changed
especially after mom was gone I always knew my place in the world;
I was the perpetual child and you were my forever dad.

I never crossed over into those gray regions where
I told you what to do or how to live;
that's what I had a sister for. That's what we had
statistics for.

We found our soft shoe melody 
in a magical place where you could
share parts of your life that helped me cope in my own.
And here we found a deeper understanding to each other which
only enriched our music and moments together.

You told me of your mother's soft brogue and her
voice like an angels. You shared the heartache of
an unforgiving and alcoholic father who made your lives
hell. And how you children could not wait to escape.

Your sister ran off and wed as soon as she could and
married a Protestant no less, a man we all sardonically
called The Minister. And you at 16 lied about your age and
entered a war to end all wars.

You cut chase across the Bay of Tokyo dropping depth charges
and dodging Kamikaze pilots at the battle of Okinawa.
And you stood proudly on your ship in Tokyo Bay while surrender papers were signed,
and you were only 17.

I wish I could have hugged that boy and told him how brave and proud I was of him.
He came home a man, a metamorphosis at sea, married the love of his life
and started a family. He never showed himself to be other than patient and kind,
and he took each blow life gave him with grace, faith and hope.

I am proud to have known you and to have called you dad-
I just don't know how I will ever dance that daddy daughter dance alone.
We choreographed it through the joy and the pain, but I believe that
you have taught me enough steps to get by until we dance again.

You are my beacon and my strength and I will forever love you.

Reviews

[Frieda P]

What a touching tribute blue, the steps are the same, we just have to learn a new tempo to get us through. Thank you for this wonderful glimpse of your dad's life. There are no spaces big enough to store all the pain, but the memories live on through you my sweet friend.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks Frieda,
The pain is so deep I don't know what to do with it. Thanks for reading and supporting me at this time.

[s y e]

OMG, this touched my heart Anne -- This was such a touching, emotional tribute. Same steps hun, just a different tempo - like Frieda said. This had me tearing up, because its well written and I got some sad music playing in my room, Blue, you're strong and we're all here for you. This was beautifully written and a lovely insight to your Dads life, I know he's so proud of you. His beautiful daughter. (: Keep your chin up, lovely.

[icelandicblue]

You are too much noodle. Thanks sweetie.

[Joyce S. Greene]

This was a very special poem, Anne. I can identify with it - I too am now dancing that dance alone - "an adult orphan and I am unsure of the steps." But they have taught them to us and so we go one as best we can. Bravo! Another shining example of your stellar talent.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Joyce and I am sorry for your loss.

[Travis Gibson (poetic h..]

As a father, this hit me on so many levels! Excellent write.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much.

[SyberRose]

Beautifully done indeed...a nice tribute to your Dad...Rose

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Rose.

[DCT ponderings]

What a grace filled loving tribute to your Dad.

[icelandicblue]

Thanks for your kind review.

[john alan willox]

what a lucky girl to have had such a wonderful father - what a lucky father to be so remembered in such a poignant, heartfelt expression of love and respect - sorry for your loss - this is very moving - thanks. i would be proud to be so remembered by my children.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you john, I loved him very much and miss him more that I ever thought possible.

[Angi]

I know you are hurting so, so much. He is with you, you know. Always. Angi~

[icelandicblue]

Thanks so much Angi.

[Dr. Wood ?]

wonderful tribute Ice....This is most likely the most moving poem I have ever read on here.....Just remember, As long as he's within you, you'll never be without him

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Dr. Wood, you made me cry ; )

[Dr. Wood ?]

tears are ok

[Kristin Lee]

I am very sorry for your loss and your pain. This truly is a beautiful poem, a memento if you will, to a man who meant so much to you. That father daughter dance...it will be danced in your heart. The heart beats that are shared always between you. Thank you for sharing.

[icelandicblue]

Thank you Kristin for your beautiful words.