Things My Father Told Me

(Sadly he died far too soon, but not before he taught us a thing or two)

In life we come across diamonds,

people who radiate energy.

Who can not fail to touch others

with their infectious positivity.

They can ignite a smile on a grey day.

How glad they are to be alive

for they will thrive and survive

regardless.

They remind us of wild flowers

appearing in unlikely places.

A tiny splash of colour seen

as they show off their faces,

push their green stems through the cracks

in old paving or where the cement

has worn thin and crumbled.

We are humbled by their company.

A lesson my Father thought wise.

It is better to give than take,

make each day pay in some small way.

Enrich the lives of others,

your sisters and brothers, a warm word,

a small deed of kindness, don't succumb

to mindless negativity.

Spread a layer of joy.

I recall with laughter when he said

with a pint in his hand and a grin,

"We're a long time dead.

It's ill advised to become a drain,

inflicting needless pain,

sapping the zest out of the rest,

moaning in the pouring rain

and bleeding from life's adversities."

Reviews

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Aaaahh, your father was a poet too dear Chris! Your poem reminds me of my husband- he is a true diamond, always smiling, energetic, optimistic, inspiring, helpful- sees the glass half full. He “never knew a stranger”, as they say. I tell him I wish I was him instead of me. Your verses are lovely in language, cadence, rhyme, simile and metaphor. They reach out and lift our spirits. You my friend, are a diamond yourself.

[Chris Shaw]

We always called him Diamond Dad. How wonderful you still have your Dad and that he has such an optimistic character. If I have a tenth of my dad's characteristics, I would be more than happy. You are a bit of a gem yourself Annette. Thank you for your very welcome response.

Chris

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Ha- it is my husband who is my diamond. My Dad is gone 10 years now and didn’t have an optimistic bone in his body I’m sorry to say. My Mother used to call him “Mr. Doom and Gloom”. Thank you do much for your kind words Chris!:))

[Chris Shaw]

oops, I did mean your husband Annette, slip of the fingers there. I am smiling at what your Mother used to call your Dad, Mr Doom and Gloom. :))

[Chris Shaw]

I've come back and read your thoughts again. You said my Dad was a poet too. I'd never really thought of him like that Annette. He certainly didn't write it, but he talked it, and I have only just realised that. It took you to point it out to me (( ))

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Yes, some people speak in poetry. I think your father was one of those people. My father was a man of few words- mostly swear words at that- ha!:))

[Chris Shaw]

Now you've got me laughing. Have a great day.

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

And you as well Chris!

[Lorry]

We do find wild flowers vrowing in the strangest of places. You would be surprised how often they can be seen on the munros of Scotland, just put there to make tired people smile.
Sometimes the old uns know what they're talking about. Im sure his legacy lives on through your kindness, making it something shared through time and space. :)

[Chris Shaw]

With age comes a certain amount of wisdom. I feel sure about that Lorry. Before our bodies completely give up, there is a period of wisdom. I have seen it so many times when talking to older people. Thank you for your review. hope all is good in your world.

Chris

[lightsong]

my father gone too soon too, he was a genius, brilliant, and he used to write sometimes too, I believe He gone before we could manage to develop our relationship to where it should be, Your dear father seems a really loving one to me, wise with a humorous sense, what's better than that to go in the trails of life?

some lovely and really meaningful images through Your words my friend, May Your dear father keep resting in a beautiful peace.

[Chris Shaw]

I am so sorry you lost your father too soon as well. May he RIP. Thank you dear Light for your very kind response and understanding of my words.

Chris

[Crowley]

He sounds like he was a wonderful man and very buoyant. I give advice to my children and wonder if they think it is sound and good or just the old man's mind slipping...lol. Great tribute and lovely write!!!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Crowley. The advice didn't sink in until we no longer had him around. It was then, that we actually realised just how much wisdom he had. You might have to wait until your children have grown up. When they are young, it's all put down to nagging lol. Your response very welcome.

Chris