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

[John Alexander McFadyen]

Simply beautiful............

[C]

Oh, this is a sad poem. I almost cry while reading this! Your dad deserves a beautiful honor and so do the other heroes out there. Thank you for sharing your memories about your father. Your dad's story is really touching. :)

[MsJewel]

Thank you for your kind words Chelsey :) Julie

[jacob erin-cilberto]

god, this is beautiful...the words of honor for him just flow from a grateful and loving heart of his daughter.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Jacob :) Julie

[Trace]

How can anyone read this and not get misty eyed?

You have a gift my dear friend,
and I know a lot of it came from loving parents.


Trace.

[MsJewel]

Than you Trace. :) Julie

[WILDERNESS]

Ah! thats beautiful Jewel, a break from your other genre of choice, and most eloquently expressed...... that daughter-father relationship.

[MsJewel]

Thank you my sweet friend. I'm thrilled you enjoyed it. :) Julie

[WILDERNESS]

Mine is the pleasure................my dear

[emmajoy]

Your beautifully written poem says it all.

[MsJewel]

Thank you Emma :) Julie

[AaronFreitas]

This is a beautiful write Julie. When I was reading I couldn't help but think of my daughter jumping up on my shoulders and the words coming from her :) I loved it!

[MsJewel]

Thank you Aaron. :) Julie

[R Smith]

Just beautiful Julie, fine memories and happy times with your Father, sad and melancholy but a so lovely poem, thank you :)

[MsJewel]

Thank you Richard. He was a wonderful man. :) Julie

[~]

What a heartfelt tribute to the man who kept your dreams alive my sweet friend. He sounds like a wonderful father. I join with you in honoring his service.
xo

[Rudi J.P. Lejaeghere]

Thank you for sharing this poem, Julie. We have to honour the men and women who care for our safety. Well done. :) Rudi

[MsJewel]

Thank you Rudi :) Julie