it's been twenty years

“Lynn” pastel portrait of a blonde woman in black

by Jill Stefani Wagner, PSA

it’s been twenty years, daddy

i’ve aged more than the calendar shows

not sure you would even know me now

even the tulips in my garden are drooping

they reflect my melancholy 

my dance card has only smudged memories

of the days when i heard your laughter

saw that small space between your two front teeth

smelled your after shave

and felt your love

you always said,

“life is in the etceteras

so pilfer what you can”

so, yea,  i’ve stolen back my own life

but i’m just an orphaned thief now

there’s no one to remember 

the good old-bad old days

except me

and that’s little consolation today

because it’s been twenty years, daddy

Author's Note

missing my father after twenty years....such a long time

Reviews

[Linda Marie Van Tassell]

I don't think the loss ever diminishes. It becomes imbued within our bones, flowing within our veins. One thing is for sure, life goes on; and we will meet our end like a million gone before us and a million more to come. One can only sigh at the mortality of it all.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, Linda. They live on in our memories. We are all mere mortals. Thank you. Lydi**

[Michael G. Smith]

I beautiful ode to your father. If you only knew how much I can relate to this soft hearted memorial. I lost my own father 35 years ago.

[Lydia Shutter]

We never forget them, do we? Thank you for your warm review. Lydi**

[Michael G. Smith]

We can't because we are part of their DNA and I believe it's that living part which constantly grieves for the loss. And yet, it's the heart and mind which comforts those little atoms of intelligence and reminds the whole of all the blessings our dads have brought to our lives.

[stars are far]

oh that is so sad, i loved this work so much, and i loved how you remembered him with the smallest things a person cn think about.. i loved this work Madam /

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much for your kind review. Lydi**

[stars are far]

it is always my pleasure

[Dara]

This one caught me off guard in a very sentimental way. Even though I already knew the subject matter would touch the heart, your words have me reaching for a hankie. So very lovely.

[Lydia Shutter]

When it comes to my parents, my emotions run deep. thank you for letting me know how the words effected you. I appreciate your review. Lydi**

[Anika Morris]

I felt the emotions reading this poem. I do cherish every moment spent with my parents. Very inspiring

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Anika. Lydi**

[Anika Morris]

You are most welcome

[Norah]

I am in love with this poem because I too, have lost my father 3 years ago and it feels like 20 years ago...thank you for this beautiful piece of fine poetry dear Lydia.

[Lydia Shutter]

I'm sorry you have lost your father too. It leaves a hole in one's life that can never be filled. Thank you for your review. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

A beautiful and sad poem. I see my father's face in my face now. I lost him in 1996.
“life is in the etceteras
so pilfer what you can”
The above lines I did like. We become like our parent in many ways. I hear my Grandfather wisdom and I learn. Each day is another to try to be kind and helpful. Thank you for sharing the amazing poetry. Made me think this morning.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, we do turn into our parents in many ways, John...but actually that is not such a bad thing. The wisdom of our parents, grandparents, and other family members is carried down through generations and that is a good thing. Thank you for always leaving such in depth reviews. I appreciate it. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

The artwork and words were amazing my friend. A poem to create thoughts.

[MsJewel]

For one reason or another, I have been missing my mother and father so much lately...
I read your poem and it truly touched my heart..

my dance card has only smudged memories
of the days when i heard your laughter
saw that small space between your two front teeth
smelled your after shave
and felt your love

Hold those memories close Lydi.
Your poem is lovely. Going into my favorites
:) Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Must be that "super moon" we had....who knows? Yes, I know you were close to your parents as I was to mine. The memories do help, but they do not take the pain of the loss away. Thank you for your review. Lydi**

[Vidya Bacchus]

Your love for your father shines through your every line Lady Lydi.They are gone but we miss them still and always will.You have penned this so brilliantly and from the heart my sweet friend :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Vidya, I appreciate your warm and wonderful review. Lydi**

[Vidya Bacchus]

You are welcome my friend :)

[Patricia Wedel]

dearest Lydi... Your Father surely
lives on through you. We are blessed
that you were blessed. Your Father knows
you have become more beautiful through
the years... reflected in your soul.
Life is a garden of flowers blooming
in seasons of change.... always seeking
Nourishment from sunshine and rain.
truly laden with lovely memories.
Affectionately... Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Pat, your words are not only poetry, but so very compassionae. I thank you from my heart! Lydi**

[Patricia Wedel]

Lydi dear... You are welcome. I love your
poems about family with memories of laughter
read moreLydi dear... You are welcome. I love your
poems about family with memories of laughter
and pure Joy. truly... Pat