The One Left Behind

~ Memorial Day 2015 ~

 

 

 

The world was a different place

from the view of his shoulders...

 

not quite so big

not quite so scary

 

“Hop up here little one.  I don’t want to leave you behind”

 

and he would lift me up, my head in the sky

my kiss on his cheek

teasing him a bit �" my hands over his eyes

he would smile…

and I was safe in the arms of the bravest man I’ve ever known

a soldier,

                                 a hero,

                                               my father

 

Today,

as a sea of flags wave in his honor

surrounding my love

                                    forever etched in stone…

 

“Beloved Father and Grandfather, Our Hero”

 

it is that same comfortable place,  which makes today

not quite so scary

for the one left behind…

 

I’m okay Dad

Still safe on your shoulders

 

    

Reviews

[Troy Henson]

Well I am quite sensitive Julie and this one really hit hard. For me, my father passed away when I was only one year old. I often sit and wonder what he would have been like. What would it have been like to have hug me, my head on his shoulders. I see him in photos holding me and I get a sense that he would have done it all for me. Very moving Julie.

[MsJewel]

I'm so sorry you never got to know your father. I can't imagine not having my father in my life. He passed away 4 years ago. Julie

[wordman]

a beautiful tribute to a fine man

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words Ron:) Julie

[Matching Socks]

Julie, this brought a tear. Our fathers are brave strong men, yet they have this gentleness about them.
They do all in their power to provide and keep us safe. Beautiful moment captured here.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Ana :) Julie

[Dara]

This is one of the most touching tributes I have ever read Julie. The nation's loss of a hero is miniscule compared to your loss. Your words really touched my heart. Thank you so much for sharing. Bless you and your family.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Dara :) Julie

[Gee]

Absolutely stunning.......

[MsJewel]

Thank you Gee :) Julie

[onceloved]

Very beautiful memories you have there for someone who was more than just a Dad to you Julie, they are very beautiful memories of him they will always echoes deep within you until the end of time. Somewhere over the rainbow you two will meet again. Larry

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words Larry :) Julie

[Woody]

this is so so moving, Julie. what a great tribute to a loving father and the pride of a nation.
the picture you drew of the child on the father's shoulders is sublime.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Woody :) Julie

[Avinash]

Happy Veterans day Julie. With men like them people can sleep in peace at home. You are lucky to have such men in your life and we are lucky to have read this poem.

[MsJewel]

You are very kind Avinash. Thank you :) Julie

[Valentine]

Beautifully stated, there are so many of us that visited the graves of our forgotten heroes over the Holiday week end. So many left with only precious memories like yours. Valentine

[MsJewel]

Thank you Kathie :) Julie

[Coyote Poetry]

Powerful poetry my friend.
"I’m okay Dad
Still safe on your shoulders"
I was deployed often. Time with my kids were my best days. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words dear friend :) Julie

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Julie.

[dan]

Julie, I'm happy to admit that this extraordinarily personal tribute to your dad brought tears to my eyes. As a Navy veteran I have a lot of respect and honor in my heart for those in the military who have made the ultimate sacrifice. On this day the flag waves a bit more proudly to honor their memories. Whether your dad was in the military or not, this tribute to him has deeply honored HIS memory, and I'm sure that he can still feel you sitting on his shoulders as he continues to ensure your safety and reap your love for him. Thank you for writing this heartfelt piece. take care...dan