He Had Other Trophies

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!

Author's Note

Graphics credit: Michael D. Salmon, my brother

Reviews

[Patricia Wedel]

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

[Joyce S. Greene]

What a lovely review, Patricia. When my mother was suffering from Alzheimer's, my father cared for her at home for many years. She would ask to go to church at times when there were no services, but my father would drive her to the church so she could see for herself. He was a very giving man and he loved my mother very much. Even when she had to go into a facility because of a broken hip, he practically lived there and tried to supervise the work of the staff.
I appreciate your reading my poem and leaving such wonderful words behind.

[Eddie Phillips]

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.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you for your heart-felt review, Eddie. I had just lost my father when I wrote this poem in 2009. It was a hard time and writing poetry helped me to deal with the pain. I'm sorry to hear of the loss of your grandfather. You have my deepest sympathy.

[Scott Metro]

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

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Scott. I really appreciate your taking the time to read and review my work. It's nice to come home to such kind words.

[Scott Metro]

:)
S................

[Vidya Bacchus]

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:)

[Joyce S. Greene]

I'm sorry for your loss, Vidya. I started writing just before my Dad passed on and poetry has helped me deal with his and my mother's deaths. I appreciate your very gracious review a lot.

[Vidya Bacchus]

You are very welcome:)

[PANTHER]

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

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thanks, Tom. I appreciate your very kind words. My Dad was a giver, that's for sure!

[Lyn Anderson]

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.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, K. I appreciate you very gracious review. Being able to salute my parents in poetry has helped me deal with their passings. It is very cathartic.

[Muse]

This brought back so many memories. Some I don't care to speak of. Touching. Ache..now my heart hurts.

[Joyce S. Greene]

I'm sorry if my poem caused you pain, Muse. Thinking of my father makes me happy even though I miss him and Mom very much. Their last days were not happy due to major illnesses so it is good to think of them at happier times and to know that they are now much happier than they were at the end of their lives. Keep smiling, Muse.

[Muse]

My father was an obsessive compulsive weight lifter...spent more time with his weights than he did with family. I have not spoken to him in over 15 years.

[Joyce S. Greene]

I'm so sorry, Muse.

[rutherford]

Wonder tribute to a man from the generation of we and us.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, rutherford, for reading and reviewing my work. Your comment says so much about the difference between my father's generation and my own. We were known as the "me" generation and that's pretty sad.

[Mark Heathcote]

He sounds like a really good man someone to look up too and admire. Nice write!

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Mark, for your very kind words. I appreciate your review very much.

[Clara]

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

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Lola, for your very thoughtful review. You have defined my father and he was, indeed, one of a kind. You are a good friend, and I value your poetry and your reviews highly.

[Jack...]

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.

[Joyce S. Greene]

Thank you, Jack, for leaving such a moving review behind. He was indeed one of a kind, including giving up years of his life when my mother was suffering from Alzheimer's. We kids are forever grateful for his tremendous sacrifices. I really appreciate your reviews, Jack.