Thursday, May 13, 2010
Writer's Island Prompt #2: Stowaway
STOWED AWAY IN A DREAM
My dad, dead these last four years,
came by the house today.
He found me in the back yard
digging dandelions and
joined me in the cool shade.
I shifted my chair until I found
a tiny corner of late afternoon sun.
We listened to old show tunes,
something from South Pacific,
on his ancient pocket transistor radio,
the air heavy with the rich smell
of fresh-mowed grass and wayward lavender.
A shiny jet soared high above,
tiny glittering silver blip,
distant motor buzzing faintly
like a fat robotic summer bee.
I offered iced tea
with translucent slices
of glossy yellow lemons
but he shook his head no.
Memories joined us
as we sat side by side
holding hands, easy and peaceful
the way I'd always hoped we'd be.
I dozed in the heat and
when I woke up he was gone.
It was sweet and sad
and I didn't want to let go.
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7 comments:
Lovely. Sad. But that's how our long gone parents often do appear - memories of them are their immortality.
I hear you. I saw my mother recently, at a local snack bar. She waved & smiled. I cried a little.
Absolutely beautiful Marianne... tender, genuine, and oh so moving! Well written...
...rob
I recently wrote piece for my father, if you would like to read it click here
Such a beautiful, honest poem. The setting you created felt very real, and bittersweet.
Bits I really loved..."a tiny corner of late afternoon sun" and "I offered iced tea with translucent slices of glossy yellow lemons but he shook his head no."
Great courage in sharing it!
- Dina
Marianne,
What a beautiful poem to your dad. It is hard to lose your parents and I know because I have lost both of mine. You always have some memories in which to hang on to.
Pamela
I've about lost the reflex to "call Daddy" when there's something wrong with the plumbing, but a good hush puppy will conjure him up almost every time.
How beautiful. Favorite line ~ "holding hands, easy and peaceful the way I'd always hoped we'd be."
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