He Had Other Trophies

He Had Other Trophies

A Poem by Joyce S. Greene
"

A poem I write in 2009 soon after my father's passing, in honor of his giving spirit.

"

My Dad at seventy
did not sit in his chair
and tell tales by the fire
of football heroics
though he could have, not he!

A champion weight lifter
my Dad went to big meets
with his son to compete
and quite often he'd win
and come home triumphant.

His next goal was to beat
a guy stronger than he
and he worked and he worked
until he could bench press,
believe me, 300!

My Dad won that big match
that trophy was golden,
he was grinning and glad
and he walked with much pride,
he was twenty inside.

As my brother and Dad
walked away from the gym
a young man was leaving
who dropped his big trophy
which landed in pieces.

The face of the lifter
was grief-stricken and so
unzipping his bag fast
Dad did what he had to
and gave him his trophy.

The young man was startled
and could not say a thing
for my Dad walked away
not waiting for thank you's,
he had other trophies.
Rest in peace, Dad.  I love you!

© 2013 Joyce S. Greene


Author's Note

Joyce S. Greene
Graphics credit: Michael D. Salmon, my brother

My Review

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Featured Review

dear Joyce... a beautiful story of
your Dad's giving Spirit. His gift was
very unselfish... and surely gave him inner
Peace. It must be similar to being
in a Parish and looking at stained glass
windows of Saints in vivid colors with the
Light shining through. truly... Pat

Posted 11 Years Ago


1 of 1 people found this review constructive.

Joyce S. Greene

11 Years Ago

What a lovely review, Patricia. When my mother was suffering from Alzheimer's, my father cared for .. read more



Reviews

This was so loving. I love the story in the poem. I just lost my grandfather who was like a father to me. I was emotionally touched by your story and genuine love. thank you for sharing.

Posted 10 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

10 Years Ago

Thank you for your heart-felt review, Eddie. I had just lost my father when I wrote this poem in 20.. read more
You didn't tell me I'd need a kleenex with this.
Very heartfelt...heartwarming...
An excellent tribute to dad.
Blessings in the year to come.
Scott

Posted 10 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

10 Years Ago

Thanks, Scott. I really appreciate your taking the time to read and review my work. It's nice to .. read more
Scott Metro

10 Years Ago

:)
S................
What a true tribute to your dad.You have painted such a lovely picture of a man that we all (in our lives)love with all our hearts.My dad passed away too and I loved him and remember him everyday and wish my kids had gotten a chance to know him.Great write:)

Posted 10 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

10 Years Ago

I'm sorry for your loss, Vidya. I started writing just before my Dad passed on and poetry has help.. read more
Vidya Bacchus

10 Years Ago

You are very welcome:)
You would love that man if he were not your dad. Old blue eyes would love him and sing a song about him. Joyce, you dad was a man and I love him too. Great tribute. Tom

Posted 10 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

10 Years Ago

Thanks, Tom. I appreciate your very kind words. My Dad was a giver, that's for sure!
I love it. What a great and heart felt tribute. I must confess I rarely write this way and wish I were able to. My family just knows I am a little bit "out there" and I tend not to salute them with words.

Posted 11 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

10 Years Ago

Thank you, K. I appreciate you very gracious review. Being able to salute my parents in poetry has.. read more
This brought back so many memories. Some I don't care to speak of. Touching. Ache..now my heart hurts.

Posted 11 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

11 Years Ago

I'm sorry if my poem caused you pain, Muse. Thinking of my father makes me happy even though I miss.. read more
Muse

11 Years Ago

My father was an obsessive compulsive weight lifter...spent more time with his weights than he did w.. read more
Joyce S. Greene

11 Years Ago

I'm so sorry, Muse.
Wonder tribute to a man from the generation of we and us.

Posted 11 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

11 Years Ago

Thank you, rutherford, for reading and reviewing my work. Your comment says so much about the diffe.. read more
He sounds like a really good man someone to look up too and admire. Nice write!

Posted 11 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

11 Years Ago

Thank you, Mark, for your very kind words. I appreciate your review very much.
What a wonderful celebratory write about your dad, Joyce!

What a father to have! He was hardworking, dedicated, generous and kind. He sounds like the kind of man who never hesitated to put others before himself.

I hope you know that he will always be a part of you, and I am sure that he's tremendously proud. My thoughts and prayers are with you and your family. Xx

Posted 11 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

11 Years Ago

Thank you, Lola, for your very thoughtful review. You have defined my father and he was, indeed, on.. read more
Joyce, you have reached inside of me and pulled out tears of joy with this beautiful memory of your father. He sounds like quite a man. Very well done.

Posted 11 Years Ago


Joyce S. Greene

11 Years Ago

Thank you, Jack, for leaving such a moving review behind. He was indeed one of a kind, including gi.. read more

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1780 Views
26 Reviews
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Added on November 3, 2013
Last Updated on November 3, 2013
Tags: #poetry, #weight lifting, #love, #father, #giving, #aging

Author

Joyce S. Greene
Joyce S. Greene

https://bionatura.space



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