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.

[Nix is typing...]

Coyote...
This poem was so beautiful. It really moved me. I'm so sorry for your loss.

With all my love,
100/100

Nix ❤️

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend. I appreciate the kind words..

[Sheila Kline]

You have presented to us a beautiful, heartfelt, deeply moving tribute to your dear father, now gone from you for but a short year.
Your words speak of the great love you shared with him, and of the respect you have for him, instilled by him.
The song is perfection; one of my favorites! Emer Kenny sings a version of it that I have often played.
May the words of "The Parting Glass" bring comfort to you as you continue to revere the memory of your precious father! I know his spirit lives on in you, and is proud of who you are!! You truly honor him with your gift of writing!

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Sheila. I appreciate the kind words my friend.

[Fairy Khan]

So sad and heartfelt. I am sorry for your loss. He must be in a better place now.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend. I know he is my dear friend.

[Audrey M.]

Coyote, my heart goes out to you. I'm so sorry for your loss. Your father was a leader a very strong man and taught by example. He loved his family dearly. That's what I took from your words about him. You're blessed to have had such a parent in your life that you no doubtedly grew to become yourself. I will be adding this song to my playlist. It's a lovely song.💖

[Coyote Poetry]

He was a great man and the song. One of my favorites. Thank you for reading and the kind words.

[Yellow Butterfly]

This is very moving and I felt every emotion throughout this symbolic write and beautiful tribute to your beloved father. Gone but never forgotten!

Sorry for your loss!

Thank you for sharing

YB

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you my friend for reading and the comment. We must remember the good people missed.

[Just Kim]

This is so sad, yet touching. Sorry about your loss.

[Coyote Poetry]

Been a year. 2020 was a hard year and thank you my friend for reading and the comment.