The One Left Behind

~ Memorial Day 2015 ~

 

 

 

The world was a different place

from the view of his shoulders...

 

not quite so big

not quite so scary

 

“Hop up here little one.  I don’t want to leave you behind”

 

and he would lift me up, my head in the sky

my kiss on his cheek

teasing him a bit �" my hands over his eyes

he would smile…

and I was safe in the arms of the bravest man I’ve ever known

a soldier,

                                 a hero,

                                               my father

 

Today,

as a sea of flags wave in his honor

surrounding my love

                                    forever etched in stone…

 

“Beloved Father and Grandfather, Our Hero”

 

it is that same comfortable place,  which makes today

not quite so scary

for the one left behind…

 

I’m okay Dad

Still safe on your shoulders

 

    

Reviews

[Troy Henson]

Well I am quite sensitive Julie and this one really hit hard. For me, my father passed away when I was only one year old. I often sit and wonder what he would have been like. What would it have been like to have hug me, my head on his shoulders. I see him in photos holding me and I get a sense that he would have done it all for me. Very moving Julie.

[MsJewel]

I'm so sorry you never got to know your father. I can't imagine not having my father in my life. He passed away 4 years ago. Julie

[Al R. Arce]

I like it when you venture out into new topics in your writing. Specially when you are in every word... Well done as usual.

[MomzillaNC]

Absolutely beautiful tribute!

[Cassie]

May he rest peacefully always, I am sure he sees how his daughter has become wise and is such a great poet

[MsJewel]

You are very kind. Thank you :) Julie

[SmittyJas]

Love your tribute to father's all over the world it's very touching to me I have two daughter of my own with out them I am nothing with them I have meaning in this world loved ones and special cares to share a heart with some little people call me Gram pa.

[sereenaoutloud]

wow ...just beautiful and brought tears to my eyes! x

[MsJewel]

Thank you my sweet friend :) Julie

[Sarah]

That brought tears to my eyes. I miss my dad too. Thank you for writing such a beautiful poem. Excellent

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words :) Julie

[Roland Petrov]

I'm more tulips than military, but I know a good poem when I see one!

[MsJewel]

Thank you Roland :) Julie

[Lydia Shutter]

Oh Julie....this one brought me to tears! With Memorial Day just a short while ago and Father's Day coming up, thoughts of my Dad are at the forefront of my days. We always felt safe with them, didn't we? There was nothing they could not do....and they did it all for us. We were fortunate to have Dads like that. Your words are moving and beautiful. Lydi**

[MsJewel]

There is nothing like the bond between a father and daughter. I never imagined I could miss someone so much. I know you understand. Thank you Lydi :) Julie

[Elisa]

A gorgeous tribute to the men and women who give up everything to give us what we take for granted. Great job Julie!