Once a month, no more, no less;
I’d take my tottering father out to dinner
at an old diner in the Richmond district.
When the hell you gonna get hitched, boy?
he’s always ask, and I would wave him off
easing him awkwardly into his favorite chair
next to faded pictures of Irish Catholic boys
in baseball uniforms standing with the brothers
who’d taught them so well at Sacred Heart.
His trembling finger pointed out the ones who died
in World War II; and then he’d stop and turn away,
staring off into space or at the kitchen door
impatient for his meatloaf and mashed potatoes,
same as he’d ordered in nineteen thirty-six
when he’d first kissed Mom in that back booth;
something I didn’t like to think about; God rest her soul.
Yes, things had changed in the old neighborhood,
but they still had Glenn Miller on the jukebox
and in that greasy dive was where my father passed
along our history, and my heritage, and for all that talk—
all that Irish blarney, we never really said out loud
(never had to say) how much we loved each other.
A contest entry
- Old Man Photo Prompt by OldBear34.
1000 points, ended December 16, 2008, 13 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest - I want daddie poems (28/8 Quicky) by Meroza.
400 points, ended January 27, 23 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 6 of 6
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mmm... beautiful story... the good ol' Irish catholic stock, I know that run!
I enjoyed reading this, almost got me wishing I had a father worth taking to dinner (or anywhere).
Those last couple of lines nearly got a lump in my throat
Wishes -MJ
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this is a truely beautiful pen manship.... to cherish the moment of a father & son....
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Excellent
Ah, a fine write and tribute. You have expressed your thoughts quite well, indeed. Thanks for sharing this one. -
deligtful
So folksy & readable.
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I LOVE this. I adore anything that is tender and kind. It's what makes me feel good inside. All the very best in this contest. This is my personal favourite.
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Very Moving
Your imagry is most moving and the story poignent.
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