Sitting, in his chair,
you would think, that all was well
in the world; Not a care
to be had, by one and all.
Drifting, back to a better place,
a smile, touches his lips
and beyond, creasing his brow,
thinking rapidly.
we try to reach him, in his
gentle solitude; Often, just
letting us in a little, but preferring
his own company.
The daily toil, of mundane
tasks being done lovingly,
but oft times, difficult for dad.
The constant lifting and tugging.
He looks, with eyes that don't
register and hears only what
we tell him to hear, that we feel
is important, perhaps not understanding.
This gentle man, was and is, a special
man; He cared for his family, the best he could,
always there with an open heart;
Forever, giving his love.
The first of April(All Fools Day), this
gentle giant was a victim, three heart attacks
and a massive stroke, left him this way,
with a wife, who didn't know him,
We, scooped them up and brought them home;
Our lives, are not the same;
He smiles at us, we smile at him;
He holds my hand, we love him.
I, sometimes ask, if there is a god,
what on earth was he thinking?
To do such a thing and then leave him, thus,
to me, was just a sin.
But, when I think, what has this done?
If honest and true I am; A better
person, I've become and I still,
have my loving dad.
Author notes
My Father-in Law had a huge stroke and a year later we brought him home to live with us, He is paralysed left side, blind in one eye, bad speech.This is a tribute to an incredibly brave man who has fought to stay with us.
Written August 11th, 2004
In a list
A contest entry
- "Differing Abilities" (contest) by .
300 points, ended January 22, 2005, 8 entries
• next poem in this contest, remove from contest
What did you think
Comments
1 - 26 of 26
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Thank you
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Beautiful and well written poem/tribute. God bless you and keep you all.
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you are most welcome and many thanks for your comments, they are appreciated
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A flicker of hope at the end of the poem and life's lessons penned so well. Questions that are asked and there are no answers, but at leat it gives us a reason to reflect and grow through experiences and questioning. Thanks for sharing this very personal poem with us. Gregg
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This is the beauty of writing, you can write fact or fiction and whichever it is helps the mind. That release of feelings otherwise kept secret. Thank you so much for your kind words and I will certainly visit your web site
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heya!
Yeah thanks for commenting on my Poem. I was really upset about something and decided to write about it, and yeah i drew my background. More can be seen at my website...
well, you poem is well writtened, i love the stanza about how he has an open heart...it just makes me wonder about my own dad. I enjoyed reading your work. -
A wonderful tribute to a man who means a lot to you I liked this write, it was very good especially the imagery and the way you worded this. Great write- thanks for commenting on my poem
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I am so sorry for your loss Thank you for your very kind words They are much appreciated
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Beautiful
I can't say that, in your position, I would have the same strength and courage to carry on- when my grandfather began having seizures, and was diagnosed with a brain tumor, he was heavily drugged and completely out of it until he died. I never really got over it, and he was just that way for a few months. Although I still miss him terribly, I know that him dying after all that had happened to him was a blessing, though I had a hard time reconciling with God when it did happen (I haven't really finished reconciling with God, either ^^'). Good luck to you, in the contest and in life, hon. A beautiful write, heartfelt and sincere.
for Emily
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Thank you wattle, it wasnt meant to decry people that cannot manage loved ones at home, but more of an understanding of what they need and hope for. Thank you for your kind words
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Very moving. I can see many older folk in this poem. It is so hard to look into aging eyes and see a mind full of experiences and skills. We (I) tend to become so mechanical with care for the aged. Perhaps I should slow down and look harder/further. - Thank you for your poem.
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Thank you Creon for your kind words, they are much appreciated
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i also enjoyed this... my father died of a heart attack, and i saw it as it happened and stuff... but your pem, was just great and i liked it alot, and you should write more
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Thank you so much
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Thank you I am touched by your comments
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excellent!
There are many types of bravery in the world. The soldier on the field of battle, the man that defends some one from harm while risking their own, and even the person that refuses to give in to a injury that has left them with little. These are all different types of bravery, that allow the person to find much when there is very little.
Your caring for him, and helping him through these times is another type of bravery, one that comes also from the heart. Where many would dump the person in a Nursing home and forget them, you took him in your home and continue to love and care for him.
What a wonderful heart this tells about! -
Thank you all for your comments, I am having a problem trying to reply to you all as it wont let me
so may I say thank you one and all
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heartfelt, well done.
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Greatness
This is a great poem. -
Thank you
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Thank you so much, It is always hard to see the ones we love getting sick but they are still the loving parents we always had as children. Many times we drift away over the years, but ultimatly return to then in their hour of need and they likewise do the same for us. Make friends again with your dad, when you feel able and return to those loving times
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This is really sad, but beautifully written. I definitely agree that it's inspirational. It's very nice of you to write a tribute to him, it sounds as though he deserves it. This is a wonderful write. I really enjoyed it. He sounds like a very strong person that has a lot of people who love him dearly. Thanks for sharing this. Keep up the great work. I hope to read more from you in the future.
~Miranda
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wow! this is amazing! such a sad tribute! i really loved it! you did such a great job! My father never had a heart attack but he has gotten nearly fataly ill. i remember the day he came home from that, i was about nine my brother was about four. he had cut his leg on the pool stair and gotten an infection from that. he was at the hospital for several days before he came home and when he did come home he said he might have to go back if the infection site started to swell. that first ight we rolled out the sofa bed downstairs in our tv room and the whole family slept together. i told him if he was scared that he could hold my hand and the whole night a huge daddy hand engulfed a little daughter hand and HE was the one to be comforted... since then i don't know why but things have soured much between my father and I, we fight all the time now and i feel he hates me and I have a vast dislike bordering on hatrid of him... but i know if he were ever hurt there would still be the little daddy's girl inside of me saying "If your scared daddy, you can hold my hand" ... it's strange and i don't know why i revisited that memory during the reading of your poem but i thought i would tell you what went on in MY head when i read it!
your poison -
Thank you for the comments, I also felt that it could do with a bit more, but I was worried incase it would bore people.
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Hmmm, wow. An incredibly brave poem for an incredibly brave man. The emotion really rings in here. I can really feel it. Definately something written from the heart, which I can always appreciate. Not just a poem for poetry's sake. My suggestion would be to expand on it even more...make it longer (not usually a suggestion i make...usually i say the opposite, but) also shorten some parts...this poem makes me hungry (actually, i haven't eaten in a while today) to know who this man truly was...you've piqued my curiosity, and i think more specific details and insight into this person would only strengthen the poem, because it already has that beautiful emotional weight.
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Wow. That is a very powerful and inspirational write. The will-power of humanity, or certain amazing individuals, can be just jaw-dropping. This poem brought both feelings of love and respect to the surface. The love and respect from a daughter to a strong survivor. Sorry for the mushiness... I am perky today.
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