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.

[Leslie Philibert]

Sorry to hear about your loss. My father passed away too, and I wrote about it. My uncle was a Spitfire pilot in the Battle of Britain, so we have a lot in common. An excellent write.

[Keith]

Thank you again for the read and your kind words Leslie. I always value your support. Keith.

[Noeldeeptz]

This is real good Keith, that in losing your father you could share it creatively... Artistic. I'm sorry about your Father though.

[Keith]

Thanks Noel, originally it was never meant to be shared, but why not? Thanks for your kind words.

[Noeldeeptz]

You meanyou're welcome Keith, writer to writer I just had to compliment on something good.

[Noeldeeptz]

Sorry about the "you mean" part, it wasn't meant to be there.

[Tom]

A splendid eulogy in memory of your father, what a great man he was and I'm sure he was very proud of you as you were of him!

Touching & heartfelt in emotion, a beautiful poem!

[Keith]

Thanks Tom, I tried to capture something of him in that. I appreciate your kind words.

[David Lewis Paget]

A lovely tribute to your Dad, Keith. That must have been very difficult for you to recite at the funeral, without breaking down. So emotional. The loss of a father affects men more than any other loss; I know this from my own experience. For the first time, you really feel like an orphan.

[Keith]

Thanks David. I was OK with this one, but struggled at times thru the eulogy. I had my daughter on standby if required, but never needed her. What did bring me undone, was my Mum's folks coming. She died in 1957 and Dad remarried a woman who didn't want to associate with my own mums family. But they came anyway after 50 years, I was NOT prepared for that, came a bit unglued then.

[Marie]

That was quite a day for you then. But I'll bet you stood up to it well.

[Keith]

We got there, with enormous help from a younger brother that I hadn't connected with for years. A BIG plus from the day, thanks Marie.

[Barbara Walker]

This is beautiful. A loving tribute. Your Dad sounds like a great guy! I am so sorry for your loss.

[Keith]

Thank you Barbara, your kind words are much appreciated.

[MsJewel]

I'm so sorry for your loss Keith. This is a lovely tribute to your father.

you've learned my gentle way... my favorite line.

Beautiful!
:) Julie

[Keith]

Thank you Julie, he was very gentle indeed and I really wanted to capture that.

[MsJewel]

And you did just that! A stunning poem and lovely tribute. :) Julie

[Keith]

Thanks again, I really appreciate that.

[wordwarrior]

This is exactly how you write Keith. You take your life experiences and take us along each journey with smiles, laughter and tears.
A wonderful tribute here

[Keith]

Thank you WW, I never intended to post this as it was kind of a personal thing. But then I am proud of my Dad, so why not put it out there. Thank you for your kind words.

[s y e]

I am so sorry for you loss, Keith -- This is a lovely last memory of your father, something that you can hold dear to your heart, and the good times you had with him. Sounded like he lived a great, full life.

I can tell he is very proud of you, as any parent would be of their child.

Lovely Keith.

[Keith]

Thank you Noodle, he had a great send off.

[Baby Ricochet]

Beautiful poem Keith. I'm sorry for your loss but you can be consoled in the fact that your dad came home and had a fulfilling life with a loving family and believe me when I say part of him did it for the guys that never came back. The wwll vets were made of tuff stuff

[Keith]

Thanks BR. Damned right about that, he lost a lot of mates but rarely spoke of them. Thank you for your kind words.

[Pryde Foltz]

Beautiful and well-written homage. Beautiful.

[Keith]

Thank you Pryde, much appreciated.