My Father

My father was born in Russia and, at age two moved to Cairo. He told me he got dressed like a beggar, and knocked on his front door. He was always a character! He died at age 96, still sharp ...

       

My FATHER ...

With crying and dismay my father died …

remembering his sky blue eyes once more.

Although, not young, his loss I cannot hide

upon my morning walkings' quiet shore.

With much of him, my memories fill dreams;

of tiny tadpoles caught in nearby streams.

Along wet edges, I played without fear;

I'd always known my father would be near.

Joy's starlite opens Heaven's dreaming past,

as silky drops of twilight linger on.

True, time has passed, my father dear is gone …

still knowing, dreams of him will surely last.

Author's Note

This is my first try at a Rhyming Quatrain.
Would love to know what you think about it.

Reviews

[Einstein Noodle]

the story steps forward instantly .. the star of "My Father" ... i find the rhythm and rhyming add a beautiful flow to the whole ... nothing trite nor foreign in those rhymes ... everyday language elevated to your quatrain ... that's what i think Ms. Lissaview!
E.
ps. an incredible pic .. a rare treasure i am sure .. sounds like he had a great sense of humor .. :)

[Lisasview]

I believe the photo was taken by his father, who was not only a great painter but also photographer... I have masses of photos...
Thank you for reading and reviewing and I am so delighted you liked it...
He was quite something...
Lisa

[Cherrie Palmer]

This is a home run.
I loved every word. With layered emotions and a sound foundation you create a loving tribute.

[Lisasview]

Wow, loving every word really means so much to me. Thank you so much...
My father was quite character. He was up and working on a script at 4 every morning... always filled with creative ideas. Made movies all over the world. Although he was gone a lot of the time...when he was home it was wonderful.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

“With much of him, my memories fill dreams;
of tiny tadpoles caught in nearby streams.”
Hello my friend Lisa. Hope you are doing better every day. What a precious photo of your beloved father you gift us with here! Your words and images of tender memories draw his essence for us. Love the anecdote about him dressing like a beggar too. Your beautiful tribute honors his soul. The form of Rhyming Quatrain is new to me and you’ve done a wonderful job with it. Take good care?

[Lisasview]

Thank you so much for reviewing and wishing me the best in my recovery.
I really enjoyed writing a rhyming quatrain.
Did you read my Awaken poem...I think you might like it.
Yes, the actual story is that my father put together al the pieces he is wearing in the photo including what he is carrying. He went out the back window and came to the front door. He told me he was certain that his parents would not recognise him! His father who was a painter and photographer captured the moment. My father was a great story teller...
Lisa

[Neville]

You are very brave attempting a rhyming quatrain, certainly braver than me and by the looks of it, you have done a decent job .. I particularly like the wording and subject matter which combine to make a fine and fitting tribute and dedication to an obviously much loved father.

Neville, for some reason, still thinking about your clavicle :)

[Lisasview]

Thank you so much for always leaving reviews that inspire me to write more.
Lisa, still dealing with my painful clavicle

[Neville]

you are most welcome

[emmajoygreen]

Fathers are special in so many ways and your poem, those words, show the strength of your and your father's relation, it's wonderful. Memories cling, we want to hang onto them; they become part of each and ever one. You have, Lisa.. this is is a very special tribute to your shared love.

[Lisasview]

Thank you so much for your very kind review Emmajoy...
Lisa

[Pete]

a touching tribute. hope springs eternal. memories are ours forever. the body is a temporary house for the soul. well said and nice format ... :)

[Lisasview]

Delighted you enjoyed my poem and the format.
It was not easy, for many reasons, to write...
Lisa

[Soren]

First the poem itself is a wonderful tribute to a man that did his job as a father. father's are to provide a sense of security and safety. The Quatrain read well and held true to the end. A lovely write.

[Lisasview]

Thank you so very much for your lovely ~ thoughtful review!
I so appreciate it.
Lisa

[Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn..]

Lisa,

As an undisciplined noncompliant Creative Writer who merely dabbles in Poetry, I do not critique the work of others, never have and never will, and leave that task to those much more gifted and talented than I ...

If I do not care for a piece, I simply say nothing and do not comment at all of whatsoever ... That is me for all the world to see ...

However, I do praise the work of others, and this excellent memorial and tribute to your father deserves praise and recognition ... Bravo!

Marvin Thomas Cox-Flynn de Graham

[Lisasview]

Hi Marvin,
What a sweetheart you are to leave me such a very kind review.
I am so glad you enjoyed it.
Lisa

[Betty Hermelee]

I see a special bond between you and your father…..like I had with my father….something special, a big heart, big hands to swathe you in…just something unique….you portray him as loving and kind and your memories are happy ones and will alway be close to your heart….lovely images of him, especially his eyes…… love this Lisa…..
Best, B

[Lisasview]

Hi Betty,
Thank you so much for always reviewing my work.
He was quite something.
read moreHi Betty,
Thank you so much for always reviewing my work.
He was quite something.
Not at home that much as he was making movies all over the world, but when he was home I recall doing things with him. Once when I was 11 years old he said to me... "Lisa, you can be anything you want...an artist or even the President of the United States." That marvellous thought has always stayed with me...
Lisa

[Betty Hermelee]

So was mine!!! And you're very welcome Lisa!
Best, B

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

My father has always been the most important aspect of my life, despite the fact that I have no memories of him whatsoever. Reading your poem and knowing that you had him until the dear age of 96 makes me so happy. I have always missed what I never had, but I have always been so grateful that others were blessed with the gifts that I was not. This was a lovely way to pay homage to your father. I love the picture.

[Lisasview]

Thank you so much Linda...Yes, the photo is quite something..I too love it. One day I might write another one of him when he is older...
Lisa

[William Michael Reeves]

Now that was a good poem!!! I felt it. At first I started counting and all that, but the smoothness of your rhyme and ease in writing the subject forced me to just enjoy it. And the photograph really adds to the personal nature of the poem. I could feel the trust and comfort you had in him. Excellent poem!!

[Lisasview]

Hi there,
It is always such a delight to read your reviews. I really appreciate that you understand my need for structure.
I am typing with my left finger as I broke my clavicle bone...

[William Michael Reeves]

Ouch!!! Look on the bright side ... you may become ambidextrous. Pain sucks!! Hope your structure heals up well and soon.