what i remember is what i am

remembering my Dad on what would have been his 101st birthday

artwork by norma wilson

what i remember is what i am

cupping my hands, i drink in the memories

              savor them

your fascination with all living things

sifting through the “stuff” to see the details

“that is where the beauty lies” you taught me

it was your pleasure to peel away

the verdant mysteries of nature for me 

to teach me

and to smile when i understood

you embraced it all

the seemingly perfect and the scarred

lying in bed tonight i will wrap those memories ‘round me

because what I remember is what i am

and what you will always be

my daddy

Reviews

[barleygirl]

How amazing & awesome to have such feelings about one's parent. Unfortunately, many do not have this experience growing up. You've shared your gift palpably to those of us who didn't. I love the title becuz it reminds me of my own life philosophy: we are what we CHOOSE to focus on (or remember). Thanks for the tender glimpse into a rewarding childhood experience.

[Lydia Shutter]

Indeed, I was so fortunate to have two loving, caring, wonderful parents. I miss them every day of my life. Thank you for the review, Barley. Lydi**

[highonwords]

what a sweet tribute to a father - fathers are the rock, the fences of a home, a family - your father would be very pleased with this poem, lydia - it was a moment of admiration, reading this

best,
steph

[Lydia Shutter]

My father was a very special man. Thank you, Steph. Lydi**

[highonwords]

you are welcome, lydia :)

my best to you,
steph

[Jimmy Yetts]

These deeply touching recollections of your father's precious life lessons clearly illustrate his great love and genuine concern for you.
A most gratifying read!

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Jimmy. Lydi**

[1VJ]

Such a tender and loving tribute for your daddy, simply lovely.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you, Paloma.

[Troy Henson]

Precious memories are what life is and should be made up of. This was truly heart warming Lydi.

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you so much, Troy. Lydi**

[Miss Sharon]

Ah...how beautiful this is Lydi! It touched my heart in a very tender spot of longing for how things "used to be." ~Sharon

[Lydia Shutter]

and never will be again. Thank you, Sharon. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

Your words true and wonderful.
"what i remember is what i am
cupping my hands, i drink in the memories
savor them"
When my last daughter got too old. I thought holding hands of children was over. Today and many grandchildren. Still have the small hands needed the protection of love and concern. Thank you Lydia for sharing the outstanding poetry.
Coyote

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you for the review, John. Lydi**

[Coyote Poetry]

You are welcome Lydia.

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Lydi, the gentle waves of memory
paint a tender tale of your Dad sharing
the intricacies of nature. His love is
embedded in the sands of time.
truly, Pat

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, he loved all things in nature and instilled that love in me. Thank you, Pat. Lydi**

[Sanober]

Ohh this is just too precious, Lydi! I am so glad you had all
these moments with your father that you can write so lovingly
about. you will always be daddy's little girl.
"what i remember is what i am" that line is absolutely amazing.
from this poem, i can tell your father was a wonderful
and sensitive man. perhaps that's where you get all your beautiful traits from. :)

[Lydia Shutter]

Yes, he was very special, Sanober. Everyone who knew him remembers him and always for good reasons. Thank you once again, my friend. Lydi**

[Indra Neil]

this is a beautiful and touching write! a wonderful tribute!! *claps*

[Lydia Shutter]

Thank you very much, Indra. Lydi**

[Indra Neil]

You are most welcome!