April Birthday

(the date almost passed me by)

this year
for the first time
i accepted a polite reminder
that your birthday was
fast approaching

i had almost forgotten
not that i will ever forget you dad
you are with me daily as the years
march on

thirty two birthdays
have gone since you passed
thirty two scented candles
have flickered
and burned

their bright lucent light
illuminating the after dinner evening
where reflections dance in mirror glass
above the mantelpiece of my most
revered memories

no gloom I assure you
only a warm glow to let you know
you are remembered with
much affection

Reviews

[Perdition]

Beautiful tribute, and wonderful way in which you still celebrate and remember the day and the life, in memory as I’m sure there are so many other reminders. My father has his way of reminding me that every day is Christmas and Father’s Day, and a birthday so that when the time comes around to celebrate mine or his, there really is no awareness as we have celebrated it year-round with laughter and golf and of course arguments over who can remember the most amount of the numbers in Pi. There are people that tell me I will change when he is gone and I think , of course I will. But I will have rung every drop from the life we have spent together. I can only compare this to my grandmothers passing that the numbers 10:10 were an inside joke and story between us before she passed. I found out afterwards that they set the clocks in stores to 10:10 so that it makes them look like they’re smiling, so I have a constant reminder. Almost missed it? Wonderful… means he’s always here!

[Chris Shaw]

Dear Joseph, thank you for your kind review. I think it is marvelous that you will have rung out every drop from the life you have spent with your father. My Dad died suddenly from cancer. None of us were ready and for the last thirty two years I have felt robbed of his company. I have to say I have many happy memories to fall back on, but I would love to sit down and have a chat with him over a cup of tea. I wonder what he would think of me? Thank you for your share and your 10:10 story. I liked that.

Chris

[Perdition]

From what I’ve heard, good fathers, feel pride and love. I don’t suspect your father would feel more than a smile with that cuppa tea and his love for his daughter. It was and is my pleasure Chris, and someday I may have to share more of that story of 10:10 as it is kind of a funny story. Pour the tea and see what happens. Just keep the candle glowing. Smiles!

[zainul]

Love and affection for beloved parents and other loving ones are immortal.Your tribute for your dad who passed away thirty two years ago touched my heart.
Thanks for sharing a poem that speaks of love to parents .

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks zainul for your beautiful review. So pleased you enjoyed this poem and you stopped by. All good wishes.

Chris

[M]

I guess the years have a way of slipping by quietly yet quickly and some important dates just sneak up on us. It's only natural to lose a little grip of some dates with such a lengthy passing of time. At least with a quiet reminder you recollected your thoughts and paid your respects with these words. You always have your memories and those are something to be grateful for. Touching poem.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Makhabat. Memories become more important when loved ones have departed. My 28 year old grandson tells me he is building memories. He understands.

Chris

[Silmara McGarry]

What a magnificent tribute to your dad🤍
Loving, caring and truly special read!
Emotional , every word are truly felted here in this splendid poem dearest Chris ✍️
Hugs,
Sil

[Chris Shaw]

Lovely review dear Sil. Always a joy to see you on my page. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[Silmara McGarry]

💟My pleasure dearest 😘

[1809 Black Plague Decem..]

Dear Chris,
It is a difficult poem to take,
I'm sorry for your loss.
I do tell others of my loss. Many a many.
But it is so hard for others to handle.
Many a times. I walk in a trance. Walking the paths we once shared.
-----Maynard.

[Chris Shaw]

Loss is never easy to deal with Maynard. After time though, it is far less painful. Thank you for stopping by. Have a lovely day.

Chris

[JENNY]

Beautifully written Chris . It touched my soul . Thanks for sharing this beautiful poetry. Have a great day

[Chris Shaw]

Jenny, so good to have a visit from you. Your review is so uplifting. I thank you kindly and send all good wishes across the pond.

Chris

[JENNY]

You’re most welcome Chris.

[Ladysue]

This poem is a beautiful and endearing letter. I love this part ‘only a warm glow to let you know you are remembered with much affection’ A beautiful moving poem. I could feel the love. My mom is always with me. I can sense her presence every now again.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you Ladysue. They are never really that far away are they? I certainly feel the love. Have a good weekend.

Chris

[red93]

What a lovely Piece Chris, and how fabulous yr Memories after all this time. Definitely one to be proud of ✨️✨️✨️✨️✨️

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Tony for your visit. Have a fabulous bank holiday weekend.

Chris

[Soren]

Nice to know that important people do not go forgotten. This was a wonderful remembrance.

[Chris Shaw]

Many thanks Soren. They were very important to me and my siblings. I wanted to celebrate their younger years before we all came along. I appreciate your review.

Chris

[duff]

A beautiful tribute Chris. Words are forever.

[Chris Shaw]

Thank you duff. His right you are. Pleased you stopped by.

Chris