what i remember is what i am

remembering my Dad on what would have been his 101st birthday

artwork by norma wilson

what i remember is what i am

cupping my hands, i drink in the memories

              savor them

your fascination with all living things

sifting through the “stuff” to see the details

“that is where the beauty lies” you taught me

it was your pleasure to peel away

the verdant mysteries of nature for me 

to teach me

and to smile when i understood

you embraced it all

the seemingly perfect and the scarred

lying in bed tonight i will wrap those memories ‘round me

because what I remember is what i am

and what you will always be

my daddy

Reviews

[barleygirl]

How amazing & awesome to have such feelings about one's parent. Unfortunately, many do not have this experience growing up. You've shared your gift palpably to those of us who didn't. I love the title becuz it reminds me of my own life philosophy: we are what we CHOOSE to focus on (or remember). Thanks for the tender glimpse into a rewarding childhood experience.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, I was so fortunate to have two loving, caring, wonderful parents. I miss them every day of my life. Thank you for the review, Barley. Lydi**

[MsJewel]

From one daddy's girl to another...you have brought back wonderful memories for me...
Your poem is lovely.

:) Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

We've talked about this before. We were both very fortunate to have wonderful fathers. Thank you, Julie. Lydi**

[An owl on the moon]

Beautifully tender words flowing from such a heart of love. Your dad must have been such a wonderful man, and he still lives in you.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Craig. He was indeed. Such a lovely review. Lydi*

[JodieAnne]

I really loved reading this, you can really see how much you care for your dad and it really is a special type of love.

[Lydia Shutter]

thanks so much, JodieAnne. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[~]

Beautiful memories to cherish and keep. Precious lessons that shape us the way we become. Kindness in words and deeds.
lovely poem dear Lydi! :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, my friend. Hope you have a great weekend. Lydi**

[~]

You are welcome and may you have a great weekend too :)

[Jamestown]

Fantastic write!
Just love the warmth of this tribute piece:)
Thanks for sharing and b-blessed!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, James. Lydi**

[....................]

this is beautiful poetry, Lydi... it is a wonderful thing to have known a dad just like this and your work brings back so many, many happy memories... you have written a warm tribute to your father and in doing so captured the essence of the relationship many of us have had (and some may still be having) with their own fathers... bravo!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Thomas. Lydi**

[....................]

Also really love the art work, too, Lydi... I forgo to mention it... I had a long review written for this yesterday and thought I posted it...I must have closed out the screen before it had processed... you are welcome :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Thanks again, Thomas. This site is not always cooperative. Never can be sure if something has posted.

[Arjun Singh]

I actually felt u...
I lv my dad very much, bt I cant spend a lot of time with him....
I really likd d images u portrayd, abt a dad's role in life, dey were too true....
A nice write....
:)

[Lydia Shutter]

thanks, Arjun.....having read your poetry, I know you can write full words. Why use a shorthand like this in reviews?

[Arjun Singh]

Lol... srry, I'll improve in my nxt review... :)

[redzone]

Mustard?? Mustered??? I must need more coffee cause i didnt read eithrr of these words... lol.. but what i did read was a wonderful tribute to your father Lydi... i love this poem.. its so warm and tender.. its neat to have such memories and how help encouraged you to dig deeper. This doesnt often happen. My dad will turn 91 in 2 weeks, and while i love him dearly, he wasnt as patient... your poem is one of those " more than nice" ...
redzone

[Lydia Shutter]

No coffee needed, Curt. Lynn just had a typo. Happy Birthday to your Dad....may he have many more in good health. My Dad was perhaps the most patient man I have ever known. He was that way with my son, his grandson, as well. I appreciate this review very much....and it, too, was more than "nice". Hope all is well with you. Lydi**

[...]

mustered not mustard lol sorry still drinking coffee this morning

[Lydia Shutter]

smiling here....no problem, Lynn. What's a typo between friends?

[...]

Lydi...This mustard a hard swallow because it was so heartfelt and so beautiful

[Lydia Shutter]

I really appreciate your review. Lydi**