Birthday Wishes

In my Dad's memory for his birthday.

I wish he'd lived so I could say,

I'm taking Dad out for the day

to celebrate his eighty eighth.

This date was missed by decades though,

yet as he filters through my thoughts,

I'm caught within his wide net smile.

A joyful hand waves back at me,

content he is, he's not grown old.

He will not feel his bones grow cold

or moan about his fading sight.

He will not cling to bygone youth,

complain about his pension pot

or all the things he hasn't got.

Within my mind his features young,

my Dad still rises with the sun

and sets for me at each day's end.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love this tribute with equal shares of celebration & melancholy. I love that you're realistic about his pros & cons . . . no glamorizing after one is resting in peace! *wink! wink!* I appreciate seeing what it might feel like to have a dad that comes to mind often & fondly (mine was an abuser, as you probably know, so I do not remember him this way at all!) Great share (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for visiting my birthday tribute for my Dad. You are so right Margie, he had his faults like we all do. I loved him for his imperfections as much as for his good qualities. I am sorry that your Dad does not bring kind memories to you. It is a great pity he chose a different pathway which continues to hurt you. All good wishes

Chris

[Donna]

This is a nice poem to remember your Father on his birthday. I never thought I would lose my parents, they were supposed to be here forever, and even at my age, it was so hard to deal with, and still is. Thanks for sharing your poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Donna for your lovely review. Yes, it is really difficult losing parents whatever age you are. Although you accept what has happened in time, it doesn't take away the longing for them does it? I really appreciate your visit.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

My dad's 99th would have been March 20. He was the father of 6...a veteran...dead at 44...drank to forget...I hated him...I loved him...I miss him.

Thank you, Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ted thanks for sharing your poignant story about your Dad. I can perfectly understand those mixed emotions. So many war veterans drink to forget the horrors they have seen. They suffer, but sadly so do their family members. There are no winners in war. My Dad was in the army but never in combat, he was too young for WW2. Died at 60 from lung cancer. He is sadly missed by all of us.

Chris

[Ted Kniffen]

No, there are no winners!

[John Alexander McFadyen]

A most beautiful flowing tribute to your father's memories. Much loved I hear in these eloquent lines. I guess we all recall the parents we wish to from our childhood when they were strong and our protectors.

[Chris Shaw]

Yes John, much love and even greater, the missing. He was a Dad to five of us. Thanks for calling on these words. I appreciate that.

Chris