Dedicated to My Dad on Father’s Day

 

 

NOTE:  In addition to the following poem to honor the memory of my father on Father’s Day, I am including in this WORDWALK post a link to a favorite piece of music which I think is very appropriate for the upcoming Father’s Day weekend whether you, a WORDWALK reader, are celebrating with your Dad, telephoning or Skyping with your dad, or remembering your father this Sunday, June 17, 2018.  While the following poem is one of those that was written with my watercolor tears, the link at the end of this post will give you a laugh, a smile, and a memorable song.

 

Hearing the Mourning Dove on Father’s Day

 

by Alice Jane-Marie Massa

 

 

When I was a tiny child,

only you could untangle

my long and wavy, unruly tresses.

When I grew older,

you were always there

to help me untangle my life’s messes.

Hanging in my closet

and saved in boxes

are the clothes, dresses

which you gave me as gifts:

I cannot give them away

because I try to hold onto

each memory of you–

you who were always there

for me,

for my sister,

for all of the family,

and for neighbors too.

 

If there were a Hall of Fame for Fathers,

undoubtedly, you, my dad, would be there.

Although two decades have passed

since I have been able to wish you

“Happy Father’s Day,”

if I whisper my wish

on ribbons of remembrances,

surely you will feel my embrace,

hear my everlasting love

because I feel your presence

when a breeze lightly caresses my face

and I hear your voice

through the cooing

of the mourning dove.

 

If you are not in a Hall of Fame for Fathers,

many will say you are in Heaven;

and this must be true.

However, in your duality of spirit,

I know that you, too,

are each day and minute,

forever in my heart.

 

* * *

 

Since first hearing Kristin Chenoweth’s voice from the CD of the original Broadway production of WICKED, I became a fan of Ms. Chenoweth’s singing.  In November of 2014, I greatly enjoyed her special on PBS–“Live from Broken Arrow” (Oklahoma).  Listening to Ms. Chenoweth’s outstanding CD  “Coming Home,” recorded live at the Broken Arrow Performing Arts Center, I most often skipped the song “Fathers and Daughters.”  However, in recent months, I have been listening to the song frequently.  I have arrived at the point where I can enjoy the song “Fathers and Daughters” with only a few tears.  In whatever way you mark Father’s Day, I hope you will enjoy the following musical link to Kristin Chenoweth’s version of “Fathers and Daughters.”

 

https://tinyurl.com/y93fobar

 

Happy Flag Day and Happy Father’s Day to all of my WORDWALK readers!

Alice and Leader Dog Willow

 

June 13, 2018, Wednesday

 

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