dentures in the graveyard

isn't this what the manicured lawns of places like Arlington look like? All those tombstone rows. A child talks to Dad at his grave.

dentures in the graveyard

the tombstones in a row

a missing tooth

here and there

of those

still here to say

 

hi dad

I love you

I miss you

it was a good day

he is a big boy now

you would be so proud of him

he talks about you all the time

you are his hero you know

the same way you are mine

he is a fine leader

and a fine father

just as you were

you taught him well

just as you taught me

 

I hope you don't mind

I adopt a soldier dad

every year

someone who needs me

for love and a hand to hold

until they join you here

and add another tooth

 

They tell me I do something good, but those who say this know not what good it does me

I get my soldier back every year

and I get that wise hand

to walk with and talk with

to learn from and be proud of

until his time comes to fade away

as old soldiers do

and another part of me is left here also

to add another tooth

in these dentures in the graveyard

 

i'll see you again soon dad

You are always in my heart

(rubbing the tombstone as if to touch him)

I know you are with me, I just have to come here every once in a while.

I love you dad

 

 

Reviews

[Samuel Dickens]

Graveyards, though seemingly quiet, are abuzz with chatter if one listens. I have the highest regards for those who honour our fallen, and this poem does an excellent job of that. Using gravestones as teeth is something I've never heard of, so kudos to you for coming up with such an original idea.

[zainul]

Amazing thought of a dialogue between a dad and his son in the graveyard.
Many people visit the graves of their dear ones and pray for them in many ways.They love to mutter their feelings to show honor and share personal
developments as if the persons in the grave are still living.
The last lines of the poem also indicate the son will come to the grave to see his
dad again perhaps to add another tooth someday.