Big Wes

Seems like the right piece to feature today.

Sometimes I get to talking
And I make that mistake.

Inadvertently, I say "My Dad
Is", or "does", or "has".

In that moment it hits me like
A steel-toed kick to the midsection,
And all of the wind leaves my soul.

That's when I realize all over
Again that you are gone.
That it's "was", or "did", or "had".

Never again will I hear you
So seized with boisterous laughter
That you begin coughing uncontrollably.

No more will your soft, yet jabbing wit
Gently set me on the proper path.

I have to find my own paths now.

Reviews

[DavidRyan]

This is amazingly well written. Sad, beautiful, a great ode to a parent. I use to sit in my house when I was younger, and extremely worry about what was going to happen to me when my parents were dead. How I would be able to set a VCR up without them, wash clothes, pay bills, take care of people I love/d. It's definitely a scary thought but it comes with getting older, I guess. And you hope that you're old enough to choose your own paths, and take care of your own family, and do just as good, if not a better job, than your parents. Like I said, well written. I'm glad I checked it out.

[BABSIE BEE]

Soooo strange.... About 10 minutes ago I did exactly what you are describing in your poem. I said "is" instead of "was"....and he died almost 12 years ago. Guess it never leaves you. Painful but thanks so much for sharing your personal theme.
Babsie Bee xx

[shythatway]

I do this, too. *smile* Talk or think about someone as if they were still among us. I think it just means that they still are - so very much present within the heart. This was lovely, I especially liked the part about the laughter. What a good memory to have.

[Cherrie Palmer]

I lost my dad in 79 this expresses that lose perfectly.
Big blue heart guy, sneeks out for a great write. :)

[Markymark]

Well, CSG...

My first review of your stuff. I haven't read anything with such "real" feeling in a while now. This seems absolutely heartfelt, not contrived for the pen. It brings a lump to the throat, which is what a great poet said was always the beginning of a great poem.

Bravo--
Markymark

[John J. Smiley]

God bless Wes and you as well for writing such words. I have a preference for rhyming couplets but this type of poetry, penned as you did, has made me think twice. Thanks.

[W.k.kortas]

Reflective and bittersweet, but doesn't degenerate into weepy stickiness. Nicely built, and hits all the right notes.

[SPINNING ON that dizzy ..]

This is like a warm hug. He is gone but not forgotten because he is in your head, your heart and your whole being. Sounds like he was the kind of Dad that made a great influence. It is good you feel this in your day to day.... even now. I miss my Mom like crazy and it has been many years - as my kids get older I just know how proud she would be - the love is there - across time....

Great poem Jerr....

[Emily B]

oh, Jerry, this is perfectly written. Every word in its place with just the right touch.

[Wildfleour]

Very sensitive piece........

We never stop missing those we loved and lost.

[ICE]

Its hard to lose a parent.