his playing years

his playing years

the reflection revealed in his old eyes of

Babe Ruth in his pinstripes,

standing at home plate in the Stadium,

the hands of my father coming together,

the cheers for a long run around the bases,

the man on his feet at ten

the younger version,

an old tiny mitt fitting like a glove

hoping the Babe might foul one into the seats

a Ruth-ian gesture

the point,

the adolescent eyes straining to see

then the ancient eyes straining to remember

ninety plus years of running his own bases

not on a ball field

but hitting home runs of his own

with career, family, 

never missing a game, like Gehrig

never missing a beat of our lives

and we all wanted to swing the way he did,

his values went long and deep,

his heart pointing toward his sunset

we still fill the empty seats

a row in the grandstand

the ashes fly

he was our Ruth and Gehrig all in one

and he is still slamming long memories

out of the park.

erin-cilberto

3/8/17

Reviews

[gabrielle]

Salute to our fathers who are now smiling down on us up there.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you, gabrielle...yes, we salute all of them.
j.

[Giulia King]

This poem made me so sad. I'm very sorry for your loss. It's truly a beautiful piece.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind words, Gullia...

j.

[redzone]

wish I had the words Jacob.. there is a hole where he once occupied and now filled with his memories and your love for him... we also had mom cremated recently and dad will join her when he is ready, they were together since HS and married like your mom and dad for 70 years, it would have been 71 in June...

I can only add to what others have said by leaving you this note of my sadness for your loss and that you are thought of fondly, always...

Curt

[jacob erin-cilberto]

wow, 70 years for your folks too...amazing...especially considering all the divorce that occurs today...thanks for sharing that Curt...and for your kind words.
j.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am so very sorry, Jacob. You must remember the time he was here, and know of how thrilled he is to be united again with your Mom.

I love the baseball analogy you tied into this - giving those of us who didn't know him, a true glimpse of what he was like. And what he was like will always be alive, in you!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

you are so right, Kelly...he will always be alive in me...thank you for your compassionate words...
j.

[Lydia Shutter]

There are tears in my eyes after reading this, Jacob. We look up to our fathers...they are our heroes. Even when they can not remember, we remember for them. When they are gone, the memories are all we have. I am guessing your Dad's ashes were sprinkled at a ball field? How fitting since he was a baseball fan. Such heartfelt emotions here, Jacob. I feel for you. Lydi**

[jacob erin-cilberto]

thank you for your kind comments...i wonder what he would have thought of that..but his will be placed next to Mom's---70 years together, and together again.

[Lydia Shutter]

As it should be.