Birthday Wishes

In my Dad's memory for his birthday.

I wish he'd lived so I could say,

I'm taking Dad out for the day

to celebrate his eighty eighth.

This date was missed by decades though,

yet as he filters through my thoughts,

I'm caught within his wide net smile.

A joyful hand waves back at me,

content he is, he's not grown old.

He will not feel his bones grow cold

or moan about his fading sight.

He will not cling to bygone youth,

complain about his pension pot

or all the things he hasn't got.

Within my mind his features young,

my Dad still rises with the sun

and sets for me at each day's end.

Reviews

[barleygirl]

I love this tribute with equal shares of celebration & melancholy. I love that you're realistic about his pros & cons . . . no glamorizing after one is resting in peace! *wink! wink!* I appreciate seeing what it might feel like to have a dad that comes to mind often & fondly (mine was an abuser, as you probably know, so I do not remember him this way at all!) Great share (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks for visiting my birthday tribute for my Dad. You are so right Margie, he had his faults like we all do. I loved him for his imperfections as much as for his good qualities. I am sorry that your Dad does not bring kind memories to you. It is a great pity he chose a different pathway which continues to hurt you. All good wishes

Chris

[Nolo Segundo]

A lovely ending to this-- I confess I envy such closeness to a father-- mine I never really knew.

[Robert Trakofler]

I'm reasonably sure he just got and gave back a wonderful embrace. From the grace that you placed in your living poetry his legacy... your gift:)

[Chris Shaw]

Aw Bunny, such a thoughtful response. You have touched my heart. Thank you.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

I hardly knew my Dad, but I believe I got my creative gene from him...he loved to paint. One thing I do know for sure, I was indeed, Daddy's girl. That's a joy for us both to share!

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks Kelly. You and me both. Sad you never knew your Dad but good if you believe your creative side was inherited from him. Lovely to see you and hope all is OK in your neck of the woods.

Chris

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you, Chris. Many blessings to you!

[Papaya]

This is beautiful, Chris.
I can feel the love in every word. He's missed but remembered.
I'm very fortunate to still have my father. But I know our time together grows shorter.
It makes me feel sad to think I'll be penning a poem such as this someday.

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Ana, thanks for your lovely review and hopefully you will still have much time with your own much loved Dad.

Chris

[DIVYA]

My dad passed away at 74. And though I was not very close to him in his lifetime, I do miss him. Here I feel a daughter's complete love for her father. This tribute is effortless and endearing as only a deep bond of love and affection for a wonderful parent can make it. Sadly, he missed some things of life but it is certain he had all the care in the world from you and ultimately that's all matters.

[Chris Shaw]

Thanks DIVYA, when my Dad died, he did so in the full knowledge he was greatly loved by his five children and his wife. We were thankful for that small mercy.

Chris

[DIVYA]

That must be such a comforting thought to hold on to, my friend. Thank you for sharing your thoughts with me. You’re welcome always.

[Stella Armour]

A lovely tribute to a much loved father ♥

I was only in my 20's when i lost mine and he would be 110 years old now , i still and hear and see him very clearly and light a candle for his birthday...

Thank you for reminding me about how much we loved them :)

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Stella. Happy to remind you of your own dear Father. Sad to lose him when you were so young. I also light candles for mine. Many thanks for your lovely review.

Chris

[kentuck14]

A wonderful tribute Chris. My dad will be 101 years this coming July . . . but I only recall 96 of them. He remarked more than once he was retired longer than he worked . . . he nearly drained the SS account dry!!!
Tom

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Tom for sharing your Dad's story and for calling on a birthday poem for my loved and much missed Dad.

Chris

[jacob erin-cilberto]

he might not have had his pension pot, but he certainly had an adoring daughter who loved him...and still does...and i relate so much to this...Dad would have been 100 this year...he fell a few years short...but i still think of the dad through the years who was always the strong one, the one who took care of all of us.
thanks for this poem and the memories it triggered.
j.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Jacob for calling on this poem for my Dad's birthday and sharing your Dad with me. Much appreciated.

Chris