You Will Find Me.

I lost my Dad last Thursday, a WWII pilot, husband, father, grandfather and great grandfather. He passed quickly at the age of 91. My last memory, him laughing out loud at my poetry.

You may not find me easily
In the light of day,
but I am right here with you
In a different way.

 

On each and every one
whom I have left my mark,
a piece of me you carry
my gift, that’s in your heart

 

When you  find a bit of humour
amid  the strain and stress,
you long for casual clothes
no taste  for formal dress.

 

When you take a  little story
from your library vast
and tell it to a child
an adventure from your past

 

And  you take the time to listen
while someone has their say.
That’s when I’m  right there with you
you’ve learned my gentle way.

Author's Note

As you can see I have had other things on my mind lately. Thanks to those who sent messages of support. I am back now, but still in RR catch up mode.
Regards, Keith.

Reviews

[Helen Woodward]

Good grief! I'm so sorry Keith, it was a huge loss...but I believe that eternity is a reality so I hope you will look toward that with hope in your heart.
The poem is a wonderful testament to his memory...he sounds like a character *smiles*
Love to you and your family...
Helen :)

[Keith]

Thanks for you kind words Helen. The last time I saw him I read him some of my poems and he laughed out loud at them. So probably the best final moment we could have had.

[TL Boehm]

Oh. On a personal level I don't know what I would say that would do this memory the honor it deserves. I've written about losing family - and its never gentle like this....
But if I remove myself just a bit - I am a novice genealogist (its a terrible addiction) and to have something like this as part of my family - the words of a poet - a writer - something tangible...that's treasure. Writing is a legacy of sorts and this - is a jewel in the family crown. I hope you protect it

[Keith]

Thank you so much for kind words and such a wonderful review. My great grandfather left a book of his memoirs, I am in the process of writing my own. I hope future generation will enjoy my notes as much as I enjoyed my great grandfather's Apart from being an interesting read, we get a feeling of worth and belonging from getting to know someone from our own heritage. Then, they become much more than just another name on the family tree. Dad never wrote anything, but I do hope my poem will appear as a note on his family tree so that others may know who he was.

[Ankit Mahar]

I am sorry for the loss .But hey death is something that we all have to share ,one day or the other .This is an amazingly touching tribute .I loved the simplicity and rhyme .Keep writing .
With regards
Ankit .

[Keith]

Thank you Ankit, Inappreciate you calling in and your kind words.

[Ankit Mahar]

You are most welcome .

[AmandaN]

I'm so sorry for your loss Keith. A touching tribute to your much loved father. I'm certain he would be proud.
Thanks

[Keith]

Thank you Amanda, I hope he likes it. Keith.

[Great Aunt Astri]

It is lovely to feel a person's presence when you are not with them. I like the form that your poem takes.

[Keith]

Thank you so much for kind words about Dad and my poem Aunt Astra.

[Phantom Heart]

It is amazing that he lived till 91! What a nice life he must have had. Your poem flowed perfectly, I could feel the emotion. It was gentle and direct. I really think its a fine tribute to him. I am sorry for your loss. I am glad that you shared this with us.

[Keith]

Yes he was very with it and the last day I spent with him he laughed out loud at my poetry. Thank you so much for your kind words, much appreciated.
Keith.

[Sheila Kline]

Your tribute to your father is beautiful and one of which he must be so very proud!! You have given us a wonderful glimpse of who he was as he helped mold who you are!!
Beautiful, and so very touching!! And, thank you for posting his picture to accompany your words!!

[Lydia Shutter]

I am so sorry for your loss, Keith. Your love and admiration for your Dad shines through every line of this well written poem. What a handsome soldier he was! Yes, you will continue in his path....you are his legacy. You will tell his stories and praise his actions. May memories help you navigate the quicksand of grief. My thoughts are with you. Lydi**

[Keith]

Thank you very much for another kind review and words of sympathy. I never intended to post this, I read it at the service last week and this photo and poem were printed onto bookmarks to commemorate his life.

[Marie]

I am so sorry for your loss. My father died at the age of 91. It's good that he knew what a talented poet his son was.

[Keith]

Thank you Marie, yes he had a good innings and enjoyed good health tonthe end. Thank you for your kind words.

[SyberRose]

A Lovely tribute and my sincere condolences Keith...a wonderful photo of your father...Rose

[Keith]

Thank you SyberRose. We put that photo and poem onto a bookmark to commemorate his life. He was 91, switched on and spritely till the last and went quickly from a heart attack. I tried to capture who he was in this poem.