Dear Daddy,
I cannot believe it has been 43 years since I last saw you. I love you always, thank you for guiding me in life and faith, I remember still...
Viola d'amore
(for
my father)
His violin rests against a
wall
still, lifeless as the
skillful hand
that once plucked from it
life's poignant melodies
Shrouded in blackest
velvet,
it now pays silent homage
to the man whose life was
music—
whose music was life
itself
It's undying melody echoes
yet
in the deepest chambers of
my heart,
and resonates with a love
that death cannot mute
Unfinished Symphony
I
hear the music
Long
after you have gone,
Though
it plays softer, sadder
Than
when we were together.
The
melody you have written
Echoes
far and wide.
It
cannot be silenced
By
reason of time and distance,
Nor
will it ever draw to a close.
Rather,
your song will endure
Unfinished
unto eternity,
Where
we will meet once again
To
chant the melody of unity.
September
September was cold that year.
As I stood in sorrow
and bid you a silent adieu,
my tears became a stinging reminder
you would not rise with the sun
from this night's slumber.
And in my grief my heart ached
at the thought of you lying still,
lifeless.
How unlike you.
The single red rose was clutched
tightly in my hand and I kissed it
before tossing it gently to where you lay.
The clouds became dark,
and the autumn winds blew stronger
drying any remaining trace of tears.
As I turned and walked away, I thought
How cold September is this year.
I
Thought You Long Dead
I
thought you long dead
Until
I heard your laughter
Among
our voices
As
we remembered when
I
thought you no longer here
Until
I saw you
In
my mind’s eye
I
thought you could no longer touch me
Until
your image
Warmed
my heart
I
thought once more
And
felt the life still within you
The
unmistakable nearness of your spirit
Your
gentle reminder
You
would always be with me
Peace, and Happy Father's Day to all fathers, especially my sons, Aaron and Nathanael and my nephew, Adam. To my brother, Dennis. To my brother-in-law, John, to my cousin, Viktor, to all fathers in my family. And Happy Father's Day to my husband, Scott, an unequaled model of faith in God and love of family for my children, who are certainly blessed by God for having the perfect father.
Monica
