Believing the False

when something that has been yours forever is taken by ugly force

I once had a son,

That much is known;

But he slipped away with heart in hand

Fading like a castle

Made from sand.

 

Lesson learned, then debunked,

Feeling like I’ve gotten drunk

To believe in the impossible is now

Not plausible,

If even possible.

 

Mem’ries of talks and walks,

Mention how to walk the walk

A fable is just a dream gone cold

Feeling old, or

So I’m told.

 

Hard to follow, hard to swallow,

Breathing hard as in no tomorrow

The fable is all too quickly dried

No matter that we both have tried,

Fabled, but most of it implied.

 

dan © 2015

Music: "Cluster One," by Pink Floyd

Author's Note

Reviews

[Olivia]

I cried a little, very emotional piece. This piece is so powerful, I just want to see everyone's reactions to it as they read.

[dan]

This was written after my ex-wife told my 'son' that I was NOT his biological dad. After 30 years she decided to do that. I was crushed, this was the result. Thank you for the read/review. take care...dan

[Nadia Gerassimenko]

What a tremendously emotive piece. You had me at the first stanza. All the words used create such vivid images...especially the son with his heart in his hand, like he wears it on his sleeve. With him fading away like a sand castle would due to wind or ocean waves. It is truly tragic.

[dan]

The inspiration for this piece was an incident about a year ago. After 31 years, my ex-wife informed my son Josh (who then called me) that I was not his biological father. That is my 'son' fading away. Why after all this time (and me paying child support for 12 years) did she have to tell us that? Because she is truly an evil b***h. I'm sorry for venting, still bitter about it. thank you for the review...dan

[Nadia Gerassimenko]

I am so sorry you were in such an awful and painful situation. I can understand how painful it is to this day. It's not fair!

[dan]

Sorry for my whining, Nadia. Do you want to know the happy part? My son and I both agree that we are still son/father, to hell with the DNA. He lives about 70 miles away, down near Pittsburgh, and I visit him and my grandchildren 6-7 times a year. Going down there in a couple of weeks. So all is not lost...except my vile ex-wife's moral compass. Thanks for your support, always nice to hear from you! take care...dan

[Nadia Gerassimenko]

That is wonderful. It really doesn't matter if there's the same DNA in your blood. You choose who you want to be bonded with.

[dan]

Oh, and get this: now my son, mind you, is now 32 years old, but the last time I was down there he said, "Besides, I spell DNA DAN instead." He's too old to be 'cute' isn't he? thx...dan

[Nadia Gerassimenko]

hahaha awww that is mega cute...there's no such thing as too old to be cute. that is wonderful!

[Mayank]

Cluster One is one of my favorite Pink Floyd track, the words are no doubt sad just like the situation. I hope, things turn out better.

[dan]

Things are fine now between my son and I, thanks for the good thought. I wish he LIVED a little closer but we can't have everything. Even if we could, where would we put it? take care...dan

[RiverRei]

I've been on the other end of this. I've had a mother who faded away from me and it hurts like hell. It's an empty place in your heart that you can't fill with anything. You try to ignore it and pretend that it doesn't matter, but it does. The more time that goes by, the deeper the hole goes.

Anyways, this is another lovely write. I will always enjoy reading your poetry no matter how famous I become with my book ;) hahaha. Thanks for sharing my friend.

[dan]

My son's 'fading away' happened when his mother (my ex-wife) told him, and he then told me, that after 31 years as his dad, that I was not in fact his biological father. After the divorce and 12 years of paying child support I find this out; needless to say it was a real punch in the gut. I still consider Josh my son but there is now something missing. My ex has a special place in hell reserved for her when her time comes. Thank you for your interpretive review. take care...dan

[RiverRei]

She definitely does...I'm sorry you had to deal with that, my friend...that must have definitely scarred you AND Josh :(

[andrew mitchell]

very deep and sad write Dan

[dan]

Andrew, I appreciate you taking the time for the read/review and your kind words. take care...dan

[B]

Something about your work ....... You show an emotion that is difficult to deal with
But at the same time you place hope within it

The memories of walks and talks ...... it overrides everything in this piece
You always leave me with a good feeling inside

You can never lose these memories ......

And i am a huge fan of pink Floyd
Legendary

So is your work :)

[dan]

There is a sad back story for this piece that I intentionally tried to downplay. A lot of deep emotion, yes, I am that way. I'm so glad you liked it. And Floyd is my 2nd favorite band of all time. take care...dan

[Dani The Unreviewed]

Yeah... I think many people, (including me) can relate to losing a loved.one

[dan]

I didn't lose my son's life, he was told by his mother (my ex) that I was not the biological father to him, then he told me. This was after 31 years of thinking I was dad, years of child support, etc. There's a special place in hell for b*****s like her. Thanks for the read. take care...dan

[Dani The Unreviewed]

There are many ways of losing someone without them actually dying. So i did not mean death, when i said 'lost'.

[dan]

Thank you...dan

[Robert]

Dan, I too have a son (just turned 21). I love him more than words can express. If I lost him in any way it would be devastating. The pain is told in your poem, so heart felt. It shows what he means to you. No matter what happens though, my friend if in your heart you love him he will always be there and be your son.

[dan]

Thank you, Robert. I appreciate your kind words. take care...dan

[Crystal Overmeyer-Birmi..]

i have a grandmother who is going through this the opening line sent chills down my spin. Really great work. LOVED LOVED LOVED the A fable is just a dream gone cold, Really great choice of words and excellent phasing.

[dan]

Crystal, This is actually about another matter. I recently found out (after 30+ years) that I am NOT the biological father to my son. My ex told him and he told me. This is after she took my child support for 12 years and all associated with that. She can't take away the love I have for Josh, and he and I are close now, but there's a hole in my heart that will never be filled. Thank you for your review and kind words. take care...dan

[Crystal Overmeyer-Birmingham]

Totally read something else. But i totally see that now.

[dan]

Don't worry, I tried to downplay it. This was written mostly for myself. thx...dan