Happy Father's Day to My Father, the Original Music Man...

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