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A slowing river runs deep.

All I did was blink
and suddenly frail and forgetful
had stolen the vibrancy
I’d taken for granted.

Your look still bears that familiar smile
which sparks an ebbing life
and brightens dimming eyes.
But when you think
no one’s watching,

I am…

as this consumptive malaise
pervades your sagging face
and spirits you off for poppy naps,
the flickering star-light fades,
I watch your mouth turn down
In that soft dreamtime curve
and my heart cries the river
that floats you on eddies
of timeless sleep

I know a day will come
our connection will be broken
your star gaze will not return
and I’ll cry a new empty ocean.

But until then,
in sleep’s folded caress
a slow river runs calm,
its watery fingers polish
the unforgettable shine
on the touchstone
of my love,

hoping its undying spark
reawakens you.

Style / type: 
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity): 
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Last few words: 
I wrote this poem for my Dad years before he passed last year. I wanted to post this first before I post the new poem on the passing of my Dad. 31.10.1929-11.05.2022 - Ronald Victor
Editing stage: 
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content

Comments

It’s sad yes but you have captured the beauty of the man and your relationship to him perfectly and tastefully. Such a heartfelt metaphor.

Excellent. Sorry to hear of your loss,
Tim

Thank you for your kind words. I am so glad you could see him through my eyes. He was a quiet achiever never asked for accolades. I was the luckiest little girl in the world to get him for my Dad. I'm nearly done with the poem I am writing for him. I'll post soon.

Sincerely J

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

author comment

I just don't have the words...

*love & hugs, Cat

*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.

Biggest hugs thank you for reading this one.

Much love J x

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

author comment

I know a day will come
our connection will be broken
your star gaze will not return
and I’ll cry a new empty ocean.

But until then,
in sleep’s folded caress
a slow river runs calm,
its watery fingers polish
the unforgettable shine
on the touchstone
of my love,

Thank you my Dad was everything to me.

Love & hugs J x

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

author comment

I'm Glad dads are dads
Mine was like River Nile
cool for miles
all smiles
AND
I for my daughter am the MOUNT
call it EVEREST
NEVER at rest
she loves me
deeper than the Pacific ocean
I can bet thee

I think it was a generational thing, my grandparents didn't show emotions much except for my Dads parents they never hid the fact they loved me. Mums parents if they were alive would be in their 120's I was born when my father was middle aged. My father never told me he loved me until he was in his 70's. I always knew he did but to hear those words was ... I don't have the words.

Sweets your heart shines through your poetry how could she not love you lovely hugs

Love & big hugs J

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

author comment

sis
jess
we miss

Lovely I miss him more than I can say. We've lost too many of our greats it makes my heart ache.

Love x

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

author comment

volumes of the love you felt for your father. I am not sure when I have read anything more eloquent than this on the gradual decline of a parent or elderly relative. One day, you suddenly see the years of raising a family etched on their face, and the load carried on their shoulders.
My favorite lines

"and my heart cries the river
that floats you on eddies
of timeless sleep.

Higgest bugs, ~ Geez.
.

There is value to commenting and critique, tell us how you feel about our work.
This must be the place, 'cause there ain't no place like this place anywhere near this place.

There are not enough words in the world to speak of the love I carry for my father. You of all people know my grief. It devastated me. I'm so glad you think I did him justice, I wanted to depict his decline, never diminishing him. He was the best of us.

Love & higgliest bugs Sis x

“The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.” — W.B. Yeats

author comment
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