ONE MORE DAY.

A DAY AT THE TATE GALLERY WITH MY LATE SON OLE IN 2012.

Whatever you thought
of the modern art
you never said
you were impassive

your eyes or features
betraying nothing
you studied the art work
in your usual calmness

no facial expression
no raised eyebrows
no tut-tutting
even the dead sheep

in the glass case
didn't put you off
or raise
emotive response

you eyed everything
walking slow
holding the programme
bought at the door

looking at each
as you went by
after a while
we moved along

to the small café
in the gallery
and had drinks
and sandwiches

and you talked
in your soft
open manner
not of art

or what we'd seen
but of work
and what you did
and unfolded things

like a magician
without revealing
secrets of it all
then we moved on

and you
were silent again
into the other rooms
of modern art

the Picassos
and Mondrians
and others
you taking photo shots

with your mobile phone
eyeing all the art
showing no emotion
no tilt of head

or wide-eyed
revelation
of surprise
just your own way

of appreciation son
your own
gentle way
of moving between

what is good or great
or seemingly crap
with the calmness
of a swan

through water
your depth
drinking it all in
with no pretence

or show
just that inner knowing
what you liked
and didn't

I am glad
you came with me
that day
the Tate Modern

wouldn't have been
the same somehow
your silence
your calm taking in

of art
your secret
appreciation
made it all

worth while
some way
but now
your untimely death

my son
makes it seem all
the more worth while
that day

that art
the shared time together
but I'd give
any Mondrian

or Picasso art away
just to be with you again
if only
for one more day.

Reviews

[Penlady]

A relationship so rare between father and son....quiet togetherness...words not needed, not one, just the joy that the two had found...Ollie seemed to breathe in the beauty around him...I have had the thought, throughout my life, Terry, that some of God's creations are so rare and beautiful that he only lends them for a time and those of us other humans who were fortunate enough to be there, are the ones who realize God in his desire to call back so that HE may love more perfectly....people like Ollie are God's art....I can so imagine the two of you loving each other just BEING! I am so glad you took the time given you...

[Terry Collett]

Thank you, dear Penlady. Being able to create a poem out of this helps. Thank you for your friendship; that is a gift.

[Penlady]

I have always considered your talent a gift in your sharing...seeing and knowing you as the wonderful, husband, father you are is even more of a gift!

[Terry Collett]

Thank you, Penlady.