Back Tracking

In khaki colours he appears

in random manner in my dream,

and as I peek behind the door

unsure that I've been here before,

I see an army truck draw near,

and from its rear I hear the shouts 

of Squaddies as they push him out,

in laughter as they wave to me.

It's Daddy and he's home for tea.

Descending concrete steps I run

along the dirt track where he scoops

me high above his short cropped hair.

In clockwise movements round and round,

an airplane found in stacking mode.

My cotton checkered dress of blue

brought safely down to land on ground.

Oh how the decades simply fly,

and late last night I can't deny

how pleased I was that I should find

within the confines of my mind

my Daddy. How he made me smile,

returning briefly for a while

when older me peeled back the years

locating us in bygone times.

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

Those kind and wonderful memories of our youth.
" How he made me smile,
returning briefly for a while
when older me peeled back the years
locating us in bygone times."
Simple things become great memories, we need to keep. Thank you Chris for sharing the amazing poetry. I liked this one.
Coyote

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Coyote for your warm words.

Chris

[Jimmy Yetts]

Sweet and touching reverie.
A father's love never leaves us.
Heartwarming poem, little-girl-at-heart.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jimmy. Sweet memories for me.

Chris

[The Rock And Roll Cowbo..]

Our fondest memories are like a best friend. Bringing comfort and making us smile.
What a delightful memory you shared.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Cowboy. So pleased you enjoyed these lines.

Chris

[Samuel Dickens]

Your sweet memory makes me smile. A daddy's girl, you must have been. How awesome that it's still clear in your mind and capable of making you happy once more.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Samuel. Yes I was a Daddy's girl and these memories do make me happy. Your review very much appreciated.

Chris

[angel]

You must have also been a military brat, Chris. Me, too, but my Daddy was in the Navy. The Seabees, actually. He liked the idea of building bridges, etc.
I really liked your poem. It brought my Daddy back for a little while, too. Thank you for that.

[Chris Shaw]

Hello Angel. My Dad did his national service and then stayed in for another year. Pleased my poem brought your Daddy back for a while. Hope you are OK. All good wishes.

Chris

[angel]

I am fine. Just miss him. I was his favorite child out of the three. He used to call me his "little princess".

[Chris Shaw]

How cute. There were five of us. Twenty eight years since he died, it still gets to me even now.

[Papaya]

so wonderful when those moments come back
after the years have softened the pain and you can remember the moments and smile again
a beautiful poem Chris

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you for your lovely words Ana, which are so true.

Chris

[Jon Roggie]

I only hope to be able to keep the memories. Dad made it to 78. Mom is still going at 77.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Jon. I also hope you can keep those memories of your Dad. My mum is still with us too. Only a shade of her former self, but still here and able to appreciate our visits.

Chris

[Jon Roggie]

Mom is still in charge of my sixteen year old niece! I am here as backup.

[Chris Shaw]

You are both a blessing to that young girl. It's good she has family who care.

[Lorry]

How bittersweet these thoughts can be Chris, but we wouldnt change them for all the tea in china. When I remember my Dad, it is always with the thought of how much he could laugh at himself when he done something dumb. Its harder than he made it look.
A beautifully memory, superbly penned.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Lorry. Your Dad had humour. Laughing at yourself isn't easy, most would either hide it or turn a shade of red. I am fortunate I have a store of memories I can call on. Thanks for your lovely review. All the best

Chris

[¿]

Golden moments you shared here dear Chris.

I don't think we shall carve for bygones. Actually we shall be enjoying the lessons these moments have taught us or giggle upon the happy moments...Lovely write my dear...Take care :) Be blessed!

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tahsin. A very old memory, one of my first from when my Dad was stationed in the army and we were living away from home. Pleased to see you here.

Chris

[¿]

Tis quite hard to live with the distance between you and your own people....Hey!! You're a fighter! ;)
Truly welcome :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you, :)