A Daughter's Courage

A Daughter’s Courage

10/29/2008

 

AFTER:

Do I have the courage to wrap my arms around these hollow sheets?

As sorrow creeps to the rhythm of my breathing

Will I have the courage to soak in the strength my father had?

Facts sharpen my eyes as my legs race to touch his face

I failed the moment my wings touched the ground

I couldn’t catch up to his soul

God then whispered… lighting my way to the funeral home

Tears choke my spine as I sign my daddy away

BEFORE:

The smell of human flesh became the aroma for mid October

Taking time to define what just happened

I scroll down to my knees

My daddy lie helplessly in my brother arms

Crying painfully, for he couldn’t rest his eyes

I rocked back, realizing I’m not there

To lie a kiss upon my daddy's cheek

To hold my brother as we weep together 

BEFORE:

This overwhelming feeling sickens within me

 I began to rot down to the very bone

Drying up every teardrop that leaked through the floorboard

Soaking up the very lint that clings to the death of my father shirt

As my brother knelt on his knees in guilt

Quicksand fastened his voice

Leaving me to scream, how did he die?

Suffocating my hold on the phone 

He said, in his sleep sis, how could he just leave us!!?

We both burn with anger upon the very shoulders,

That resembles my father

I stood in shock; disbeliefe hit like a pinball machine in my stomach

Bouncing around, never stopping the chiming ring of hurt

The voice of my father disturbs me deeply

Every time I talk to my brother

AFTER:

Father forgive me for I have sinned

I did not take care of him

The weight of my father's flesh

Rests in my brother hold but not mine

Nor is that smile, which once touched my father laugh

I gave a kiss to my daddy but it was placed by my brother lips

I couldn't save my hero

As he lye skinny as a rail

He died the same way my uncle did a month ago

Which haunts my brother to the end

For he was the one who found them

AFTER:

Do I have the courage to face my father's ghost?

Will I shake these tears of guilt?

Is my dad in a better place?

So many questions have been left unanswered

How will I sleep at night now?

As my dad once said to me before he passed

“Do not cry for me”

“Don’t stop living because I did”

“Don’t feel guilty when I'm gone”

NOW:

Do I have the courage to listen to his words?

As sorrow spirals out of control

Will my brother have the courage?

I ask God to let my father rest in peace,

My father loved the ocean breeze

He loved us and I will forever more be so bless,

To have him as a dad and a father

Daddy I now live to tell your story

To my kids, great grand kids and their children

We love you daddy

We shall meet again in heaven

Author's Note

To my father, my hero. Thank you for those who read and commented!

much love n respect
Anna

Reviews

[Arthur Henn]

This is beautiful in every word and fashion of love that you show in the words you have written Ann.

Your Dad is proud of you, your Dad hears the words of this poem you have written him. He is in a better place and still to this day and hour holds you in the heart of your soul, Dad has not left you.

(((Anna)))

[Beautifully Tragic xPoe..]

That almost brought tears to my eyes, it was beautiful. Very inspirational, heartfelt masterpiece. I'm sure your father is very proud of you.

[Janice Ann]

All I know is your father must be so very proud! And I know for sure, he looks down upon you and smiles. This was a beautiful piece and it was full of love and it made my heart weep and then brought me happiness! Work of art, friend!

[FantasyWriter01]

This was amazing. Well written. I loved it a lot. It has an emotional power, some kind of inspirational feeling. Keep it up!

[Valentine]

Amazing testament to your father..it reminded me so what I went through when I lost my parents..The hurt never stops..but thank God for all of His blessedf memories..Loved this one..Valentine

[Judas Hammer]

well crafted, well written piece.......I really felt and also very visual......

[Neva Flores Smith - Cha..]

Anna, this is an incredibly moving tribute to your father, your hero. Never let go of that love.......so beautifully written with the hand of your love for him.

[Muse]

Awsome write! Written with love! :)

[Lourisa]

Oh! Your poem hit so very close to home, i can't believe it. A little over a year ago i got a phone call in the early morning hours from my brother to say that our dad died. I live thousands of miles away from him, half way around the world. I feel so guilty for not being there for him and miss him so so much. He was my hero too.
Thanks for sharing this wonderful poem.