My Fathers Jacket

today would have been my Fathers 87th birthday

My Fathers Jacket

 

Here you are again she said

Retrieved from the pile

Reserved for charity shop donations

 

For that is where she found me

Wearing my father’s old baggy jacket

Is that so strange tho I ask

 

Even now the taste and the very

Scent of him is dear to me

This is where his essence lingers yet

 

This is where I feel and hear him sometimes

As my body warms the fibres

Safe in these old Tweed threads of his

 

Here in these so very hugged

And well worn sleeves I ache hungrily

Then cry as a child might cry

 

Unashamedly and with so many

 Unpunctuated sobs

Then as both hands are well and truly lost

 

In deep side pockets

A long forgotten handkerchief

Surfaces to light and usefulness again

 

Wiping tears with fingertips I find myself

Wondering how many wishes were once

Held fast in that single knot

 

Tied by his own hand near the corner

Next to the blue silk of his monogram

Where I still sense him near

 

 

  

Reviews

[Chris Shaw]

And you reckon you are a hard man? Pull the other one. Hard men don't write beautiful poetry, cling to the memory and essence of their Father or shed tears for their deep loss. I relate so much to these lines. After my Dad died when I visited my Mum I wore my Dad's dressing gown, which was left hanging on a hook.in the bedroom.. I would hold it close and breathe in because it brought him closer to me. I could smell him and that brought me great comfort.. I love this poem it reminds me of my Dad and my actions on his death. This southern softie approves very much of these nostalgic lines Neville.

Chris

[Gypsy Warrior Queen]

Exactly Chris! Nev. is a big ole wild beating heart! He is squishy and warm and WONDERFUL!

[Chris Shaw]

How could I disagree CQ. You've got Neville summed up to perfection :)

[Neville]

I am delighted that these these words have been given such a seal of approval.. I truly am grateful to both of ya.. N

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh, Neville, this one touched my heart. Such an honest emotional write. I still have my father's bathrobe. It hangs in the back of my closet, but there are days I stroke the fabric and put it up to my cheek. I can still smell his scent...though I am sure that is only in my mind. Your write is just wonderful.....a little different from you, my friend. Lydi**

[Neville]

Thank you Lydi**.. you are so very kind.. and always appreciated... Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

so emotive my friend ...my Da's hat sits on a corner shelf just to the left of me .. i use to wear it when i mowed the lawn on the John Deer mower i inherited from him .. how i relate to every line of this poem sir... and i am grateful for the heaviness i feel .. we are fortunate to have loved our Ma s and Da s ... and miss them so .. i especially feel the essence your poem weaves into the thread and pockets .. and the scent of them .. a vivid clear memory after many years (Da died in '89 ..in is 70s) i am so glad i did not miss this one ... its a good good thing not to forget the faces of our fathers .. thanks so much for sharing this (what seems to me) very personal poem

[Neville]

and you would not believe just how welcome your words are Gene... they are truly a comfort to me as a person, and encouraging to the would be poet part of me... this particular post tho personal, so needed to be writ and I feel better for it sir.... Cheers ..... Neville

[Einstein Noodle]

i feel you brother .. now ... i dare you not to say another word :))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))))

[Neville]

:).......................

[Einstein Noodle]

:) ............................!

[Patricia Wedel]

dear Neville... these precious memories... are gilded in our heart and mind.
My Mother was a beautiful seamstress and made dress couturier and tailored coats.
She china painted and had over a hundred molds to pour and bake and knew how to cut from "slip clay" delicate flower petals and leaves to display on Clocks and lamps and dolls and figurines and bake in her own Kiln. These memories are "A Strange Inheritance".. indeed. My father loved to read Shalespeare.
I am very touched by the "Feel" of your Father's Tweed Coat. truly, Pat

[Neville]

thank you so much dear Pat for your most kind and comforting words.. they are truly appreciated... Neville

[Kelly Scheppers]

You gave this one a pulse, Nev...and it touches all who read it!

[Neville]

Thank you Kelly, very much and truly... N

[R.E. Ray]

A remarkable tribute to your father. You create a scene and emotion we all feel in the moment. I had a similar experience when an uncle passed and we cleaned out his closets. You captured that moment in a few poetic lines.

[Neville]

How very kind of you sir.. many thanks indeed.

Neville

[Chris Shaw]

The impact of reading these lines is just as great as the first time I read them. I felt every word and know that you chose each one with utmost care. You loved your Dad very much and still do and honour him with this beautiful poem on what would have been his 87th birthday. You will be feeling sad for him, more so today. I will light a candle for him this evening.

Chris

[Neville]

thank you for your kind words & expressed intentions.. they are each very much appreciated
read morethank you for your kind words & expressed intentions.. they are each very much appreciated

Neville

[barleygirl]

WOW! WOW! WOW! This is so powerful I can't say anything but WOW! I am in awe of how you can convey such a depth of feeling in such a down-home aw-shucks friendly way. This is what people love about you & it's irresistible! (((NUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Neville]

am smiling here BG and true.. thank you so much.. N x

[Coyote Poetry]

I still wear my dad's 40 years old union shirt. Old things because valuable with time and separation. Thank you Neville for sharing your amazing words and thoughts.
Coyote

[Neville]

I am so glad you can relate Johnnie C ... these comments of yours mean a great deal... N

[Coyote Poetry]

Always my pleasure my friend and you are welcome.

[Neville]

My glass is raised to ya cheers..N

[Mrudula Rani]

Our fathers were like big old temples , cathedrals of comfort. Left behind a river of legacy ... we had the chance to experience them in every sense. Now their memories are a treasure we cherish with so much longing.... I can't see what I am writing because my eyes are flooded.

[Neville]

what a monumental review you have kindly left M... always appreciated you are and true :) N

[Mrudula Rani]

Dear Neville, I know how much you love and miss your wonderful father, and those thoughts in your exquisite poetry always moves many hearts, especially mine .

[Neville]

......... :)ing here x

[lightsong]

the second read from You today, and again You've touched me into private places within me, You have my tears flowing here, I lost my father nine years ago, and it still feels like yesterday, the scent still lingers within my nose, the smell of his robe, his leather jacket... all still linger, gone so soon before we get to develop our relationship to where it should be.

Bless You dearest Neville, the Son and Father You are more than wonderful to be.

[Neville]

it is difficult to find words to say thank you adequately,particularly when it is obvious you relate so well.. Peace and All Good Things, Neville x