Gary

I wrote this to my stepfather of whom passed away last week.

Gary

 

Benison was his name, but it was Gary

but if you were to ask him, he’d be contrary

if you knew him, you’d know it’s true

for a good turn… was his point of view.

 

He had a way, to see and say the score

of the good or bad and place it to the fore

in life, himself, in you, or me, such truth

and make you laugh in the face of its review.

 

And yes Gary, in true Irish fashion

would grumble his, dissatisfaction

on a litany of failures, he’d stew

or his next benefactuous… pursue!

 

In sadness, I write this benediction

And in his manner, I’ll say no fiction

but failure, never bore your description

Only love and kindness 

shall be your inscription

Author's Note

Gary was a photographer and had a keen eye, he spent many years as a traveling salesman and as such gave him a very interesting perspective of humanity. He also lived in Mexico for a while to photograph life there. I always enjoyed hearing his stories about the people he met and the things he experienced he always had a way of making you laugh in spite of yourself in the spins he would make regarding the human condition. To quote my mother "he didn't think he was loved" Well I decided I had better set him straight because nothing could be further from the truth!

Reviews

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

This is a touching and heartfelt poem that really captures the essence of a life well-lived. I love the way that the you used vivid imagery and rich language to explore the complex emotions and experiences of loss, and the way that the poem builds to a climax of emotional intensity is truly breathtaking. The final lines, "Only love and kindness shall be your inscription," are a powerful expression of the transformative power of a life lived with compassion and generosity, and they serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of staying connected to the people and values that matter most to us. Overall, I think this is a wonderful piece of writing that will resonate with anyone who has ever been moved by the power of love and kindness to transform lives and leave a lasting legacy.

[Robert Trakofler]

He is sorely missed, we all lost something in the wake of the pandemic so I am by no means complaining merely stating facts. I wish he and my mother would have been able to do more traveling before he had to go it is what he loved LOL albeit with a bit of grumbling beforehand.

[Bhuyanshi Talukdar]

It's understandable to feel a sense of loss and sadness during these difficult times. It's important to cherish the memories we have and remember the good times we shared with our loved ones. Perhaps you can find comfort in the thought that your father is now at peace and that his spirit lives on through the memories you have of him. As for your mother, maybe you can suggest some new travel ideas for her to explore and enjoy.

[Robert Trakofler]

LOL, I'm working on it!!!!!!!

[jacob erin-cilberto]

and as a poet, you have a very keen eye which does him justice in its description...
you honor him with this, and he is above smiling down, brother bunny.
j.

[Robert Trakofler]

That is the second time someone said that to me, Ghounwah said that to me too on Facebook :) You would have gotten along with him well he was an old hippy from Clemson

[Ken Simm.]

I love this tribute to him. Simple as that.

[Robert Trakofler]

I am going to go thru all of his photographs and will share some of them with you when I do:)

[Robert Trakofler]

I sent you a couple of pics LOL actually the first two I could bring myself to look at

[Kelly Scheppers]

Sounds like quite a man, Robert. Your respect and gratitude for his love is poignant and beautifully written.

[Robert Trakofler]

Hi Kelly:) Gary won the game! he spent most of his life helping humanity from the care he always gave to my Mother to the old lady he took shopping every week and took to work he was such a kind-hearted person