The parting glass

Performed by George Donaldson.

The parting glass....

Last year, the greatest man I ever know. My father Jack.

Died on 29 January 2020.

96 year, he was.

Was a WW2 veteran, fought in the battles of Germany.

He was a police officer,

he was a champion bowling.

He was a preacher in the church.

He taught forgiveness, love and kindness.

He was a mentor to me.

We would sit and talk,

we would watch the baseball games.

He would take out his guitar and sing his songs.

I saved him once and he saved me often.

His home had a wide open door for me and the family.

He would tell me,

Johnnie, you did good.

You raised strong and wise children.

I did thank him, I believe, not enough.

He was a safe place for me and now I try to be like him.

I speak no negative words to my children,

my door is always wide open for them.

A room, always empty when they feel confused and alone.

Need a safe place to rest.

I miss you my father,

I miss your voice.

I am trying to be like you.

I know one day when I am done.

You and I will sit together,

discuss everything and I will hear your laugher again.

You had no funeral. The coronavirus days.

I said goodbye to you at Lake St. Clair.

I burn some sage and I sang the parting glass song for you.

Thank you my father.

Dancing Coyote

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[h d e rushin]

men of what Tom Brokaw calls, "the greatest generation" lived by a certain code. I know it sounds hackneyed but those who survived the 'great depression' were also still too young to foresee the culture wars, world wars, race wars, voting and domestic wars, hemline wars, water wars, border wars, wars against our constitution, nuclear proliferation, wars of attrition, mind wars and assaults against our democracy in the years yet to come. What they did do, was raise families, walk dogs, nurture children, rake lawns, milk cows, and live long lives. My dad left this earth when he was just 75, three years after retiring from Chrysler Corp, where he welded bumpers onto Lebaron's until his wrist just couldn't take the strain anymore. And I know that he too would be proud, yet probably slightly embarrassed, by all the fuss made in his honor. That generation saved all of Europe from Nazi occupation, championed the "New Deal" that saved the American worker from the throws of the great depression. Put a man on the moon. Dropped a nuclear bomb, Welcomed the British invasion, Danced to Benny Goodman , Stan Kenton and Duke Ellington and made a life for themselves. And yet they were just too proud to take a well deserved bow. Great tribute and well done dana

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Dana. Once we stood as one. Fought as one for freedom. We need this again. Thank you for reading and the comment my friend.

[Cherrie Palmer]

Cheers, to a great man and the greatest generation that ever lived.
My daddy and father-n-law were both WWII vets as well. I know you miss him, but men like that live within our memories, never to fade or leave us.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree dear Cherrie and thank you for reading and the comment.

[poetgurl]

the coronavirus days, i hate this virus, i have lost my great grandma to this virus.

[Coyote Poetry]

I am sorry for your lost dear Kari. Had been a hard year for so many.

[Remanence]

A father and a man of his word, properly honored and remembered by his son.
The ancient Hebrew spoke of how a man is best remembered ("Zakar") is in how deep an effect he had upon your character and how deeply you effected his, and I see both of these elements in this moving remembrance. Perfect.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my kind friend. He was a kind and good man.

[Betty Hermelee]

What a really sweet eulogy for your father. He seemed like a renaissance man, and certainly a mentor to you.I love how you want to be like him and treat your children the was he raised you. The worst part is that you were not able to say goodby to him the way you would want, and that is truly sad. An excellent ode, my friend. I loved my father more than anything and he was a renaissance man too. I painted a portrait of him.
Well written and condolences to you. Best, Betty

[Coyote Poetry]

Hello dear Betty. The men and the women of the old world were strong and wise. We need to find the old ways again. Thank you for reading and the kind words. I do appreciate.

[Betty Hermelee]

Thanks for posting!

[3X3MPLER]

I can tell he was a great man. Thanks for sharing this

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend for reading and the kind words. I do appreciate. He was.

[Haley]

I am so sorry to hear of your loss and am sending you well wishes. You have sent him off with a beautiful poem, honoring what sounds to be a great man and influence. I'm glad you had such a man in your life and send my condolences!

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Haley. I appreciate the kind words.

[Stella Armour]

"Good night and joy be with you all"
A lovely way to say goodbye in a beautiful Irish ballad.
WW2 veterans saw life and death and understood the devastation that war brings... they were all brave men , and that kind of man is not found often today.
You must be so proud of the legacy he left you in his love and the way he raised you to understand that violence is never a way forward in any situation.
A beautiful tribute John .... a parting glass to see him on his way bless him.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Stella. I appreciate the kind words. He was a good man. Helped many in his lifetime.

[lightsong]

So so very sorry to hear of Your loss, this was deeply moving to read, beautiful heartwarming words, this line just hit my heart...

"I saved him once and he saved me often."

I'm sure he is proud of You, here at the cafe all You speak but with love and kindness, and this but a reflect of how You truly are in reality with your children, family... even all people.

May his soul rest in peace and his light to shine in your heart always ✨

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my kind friend. I appreciate the comment.

[.]

A very touchy write here. I can feel your pain, more so because you could not said a proper goodbye due to this covid situation. Your description was fair enough to understand the relation you shared with your father...

[Coyote Poetry]

The coronavirus. Many people didn't have the proper send-off. Thank you my friend for reading and the comment.

[jacob erin-cilberto]

a lonely time to die...your dad sounds great....my dad was a champion to me.
yours 96 mine was 97 when he succumbed.
but he and my mom left in 2014 and 2017...so they did not have to deal with this Covid...I am grateful for that.
A toast to your father...I felt I knew him through this poem.
j.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you Jacob. The WW2 generation. Strong, hard working and appreciate the value of a dollar.