April Birthday

(the date almost passed me by)

this year
for the first time
i accepted a polite reminder
that your birthday was
fast approaching

i had almost forgotten
not that i will ever forget you dad
you are with me daily as the years
march on

thirty two birthdays
have gone since you passed
thirty two scented candles
have flickered
and burned

their bright lucent light
illuminating the after dinner evening
where reflections dance in mirror glass
above the mantelpiece of my most
revered memories

no gloom I assure you
only a warm glow to let you know
you are remembered with
much affection

Reviews

[Perdition]

Beautiful tribute, and wonderful way in which you still celebrate and remember the day and the life, in memory as I’m sure there are so many other reminders. My father has his way of reminding me that every day is Christmas and Father’s Day, and a birthday so that when the time comes around to celebrate mine or his, there really is no awareness as we have celebrated it year-round with laughter and golf and of course arguments over who can remember the most amount of the numbers in Pi. There are people that tell me I will change when he is gone and I think , of course I will. But I will have rung every drop from the life we have spent together. I can only compare this to my grandmothers passing that the numbers 10:10 were an inside joke and story between us before she passed. I found out afterwards that they set the clocks in stores to 10:10 so that it makes them look like they’re smiling, so I have a constant reminder. Almost missed it? Wonderful… means he’s always here!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Joseph, thank you for your kind review. I think it is marvelous that you will have rung out every drop from the life you have spent with your father. My Dad died suddenly from cancer. None of us were ready and for the last thirty two years I have felt robbed of his company. I have to say I have many happy memories to fall back on, but I would love to sit down and have a chat with him over a cup of tea. I wonder what he would think of me? Thank you for your share and your 10:10 story. I liked that.

Chris

[Perdition]

From what I’ve heard, good fathers, feel pride and love. I don’t suspect your father would feel more than a smile with that cuppa tea and his love for his daughter. It was and is my pleasure Chris, and someday I may have to share more of that story of 10:10 as it is kind of a funny story. Pour the tea and see what happens. Just keep the candle glowing. Smiles!

[Melinda McQueen]

i think it is nice to remember departed loved ones on their birthday.
the day they were born to live out their meaningful lives.
Nicely written.

[Chris Shaw]

I agree Melinda. There is something special about birthdays. I always light candles fur my departed loved ones on their birthday. Thanks fir leaving your thoughts.

Chris

[Neville]

.. but it never did and by the feel of it, it never will .. it takes a very special set of memories to have such an impact doesn't it .. believe me Chris, I know.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

Good early morning Neville. Hope your trip went successfully. Of course you are right. Special memories come from those who have had a great impact on you. Nice to remember them on their birthdays in particular, although they are ever with you in spirit.

Chris

[Neville]

Yes indeed, but have not been able to sleep though since getting back :)

[W. Barrett Munn]

Lovely acknowledgement of warm emotions, Chris. Well done. This is what is meant by opening a vein.

Winston

[Chris Shaw]

Winston, thank you for your warm review. I appreciate your thoughts always. Have a good Wednesday.

Chris

[DIVYA]

A poem that reinstates my belief that death is not the end of a loved one. They go on living in everything around us, in all our special thoughts and memories, in each earthly joy and every reflective moment. In sickness, in health, in happiness and grief, in crowd and solitude, till we live, they live on in us. The spirit of love is incandescent and shines brightly in all you say in this poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you dear DIVYA for your understanding review. My Dad is like a candle with an eternal flame. I think of him daily. His presence never far away. Your reviews are much valued dear friend.

Chris

[DIVYA]

You always give the reader such wonderful feelings to relate to. You're most welcome, dear Chris.

[Coyote Poetry]

A wonderful way to remember someone dear Chris.
"no gloom I assure you
only a warm glow to let you know
you are remembered with
much affection"
I loved the above lines. I told my children. I want a Gypsy funeral. Plane some trees and dance/drink to my memory. Thank you for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

The grief has long gone, just a warm glow of his memory, left like an eternal candle shining its light. Thank you Coyote for your wonderful review. You are appreciated.

Chris

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome dear Chris.

[John the Baptist]

I recall an old tombstone inscription that read "Gone but not forgotten." This poem embodies that sentiment perfectly.

[Chris Shaw]

So right John. Gone but never forgotten. Not a day passes without him entering my thoughts. Thanks furcstopoing by.

Chris

[willweb]

What do they say, it's the thought that counts? Day and years do have a way of causing certain things to fade, but as long as those memories find us every now and then, that person will never be forgotten. Nicely penned Chris.

[Chris Shaw]

So weird will. I think of my Dad every day and yet my sis had to remind me his birthday was approaching. Always present, never truly gone. Thank you my friend.

Chris

[Lorry]

It is a punch out of nowhere to know you almost missed an anniversary or birthday that leaves you feeling so guilty. I remember the first time I only remembered on the day of my dad's death and I felt like an uncaring rhymes with twit, but more smelly. I felt devestated at forgetting, until I remembered him shaking his head with a smile and calling me a silly burger, or something similar sounding.
It was almost as bad as realising I'd forgot my own birthday during that other C word that rhymes with blowvid, until 8pm that day. Luckily Katie came over to see how I'd enjoyed the cake that she left in my fridge and we both scoffed it (carrot cake) with a wine glass full of Ribena, just to pretend we were propellered growed ups.
And my prezzie was new Jim jams so I had a happy night night dreamy sleeps too.
I was a bit disappointed they weren't a penguin onesie, but they did have penguins on sleds and skis, so was glad of that.
Plus, although they might have seen better days, not everything in life can be penguin onesies and ill only ever get rid the day my ar*e falls out of them 😊

[Chris Shaw]

You are so right Lorry. I felt guilty for not remembering the date. My sis reminded me. First time in 32 years and yet he is in my thoughts daily:) You know Katie is a blessing to ya, don’t ya? And she buys you Jim jams with penguins on :) I think you are a lucky guy. Have a great Tuesday.

Chris

[Lorry]

Yes I do. She is awesome, with a capital AWWW! 😊

[Chris Shaw]

:) ………………..

[Patricia Wedel]

A precious April umbrella of a Life that gave you dreams
where Raindrops became the days of learning and becoming
a person well-versed in Philosophy and Eternal blessings. tenderly, Pat

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Pat your reviews are delightfully poetic and very much valued. Thank you dear friend 🌹

Chris