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

[Writer at last! Sky ~]

I really feel its a pledge for dad.
I love it & it deserve to be one of my favorite in the chart.

Thanks for writing & sharing such a beautiful piece of art!

[....................]

the weight of the world carried on your hero's shoulders... your words are drenched in the love you have for your father, Julie... this is such a moving piece and flows like a conversation... as I read I feel comfort - oh, such is the power of love, that even in death it hold us on its shoulders... bravo!

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words FT. :) Julie

[B]

Beautifully stunning
A father is just everything
Especially when he is a good one

Oh my

I love this line

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

[MsJewel]

Thank you Nisreenaa. I had a wonderful father - he was a hero and always will be in my eyes. I'm thrilled you enjoyed my tribute to him :) Julie

[B]

A beautiful one

[ANTO]

Thank you Julie for letting us share in this deeply personal piece which is so well written that we, the reader are indulging in poetry when we are actually walking through a friend and poets life and memories.
Its breath takingly poignant.
God Bless

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kindness Anto and for understanding where these words came from. :) Julie

[Einstein Noodle]

chills ride my face and tears well up ... what an effective and emotive expression of your love and respect for your "hero" ... well done says i!
E.

[Saddam]

Heartfelt and emotional write.
Everyone may proud. Great tribute dear poet.

[Kelly Scheppers]

This is such an emotional day for me, simply for the love I have for my country. Each one of my Uncles served as marines...my grandfather was a war vet, and both my brothers served in the Army and the Navy. The service wouldn't take my Dad, because he was color blind, and a diabetic. It pained him that he couldn't serve, and that pain surfaces for me every single year.

There are not many who will read this and not have to swallow hard. Bless you!

[Robert]

What a sweet tribute, wonderful memories of a Father with love, respect, and special bond. This piece shows that the daughter and father had such a wonderful special bond. This bond is so expressed in this piece. Well done.

[Jamestown]

Absolutely fantastic piece of work!
Great truth for those children of service men and women,
thank God for these brave people, thanks for sharing and b-blessed!