Join the Neopoet online poetry workshop and community to improve as a writer, meet fellow poets, and showcase your work. Sign up, submit your poetry, and get started.

The Day Dad Passed Away 21/05/2012

Submitted by Poets Hand on Mon, 2023-02-13 01:26

In my Fathers place I sat
There beneath my Fathers hat
While in hospice He would lie
I believed myself should die

Psychiatry, did seek it out
To find the cause of all my doubt
For all the fear I felt inside
‘Twould lead me into suicide.

While Dad lay he, upon the bed
My thoughts converged on being dead
Each day – each lengthy long held day
Convinced me more of my dismay.

How can I live and find content
While viewing how Dad’s life was spent
Who am I that should survive
If Dad was dead was I alive?

Through me His genes must surely stay
In darkest night and brightest day
He’s never dead or wholly gone
For he was cloned when I was born.

Style / type: 
Structured: Western
Review Request (Intensity): 
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Last few words: 
Certain poems recently released here on Neopoet have inspired me to release this short poem written on the day my own Father passed away.
Editing stage: 
Editing - polished draft
Contest: 
New Member Contest February 2023
Content level: 
Not Explicit Content

Comments

Poets Hand

Mon, 2023-02-13 02:49

Poets Hand's picture

Thank you so much for the high praise. It means a lot to me to know that I am not just writing junky stuff from the heart without any thought. The problem with my Father was that I should have spoken to him before he departed. I mean really spoken not just pass the time of day. There are a lot of things that I regret not having told him.

Thank you again for the remarks.
Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment

Poets Hand

Mon, 2023-02-13 03:13

Poets Hand's picture

Thank you for your concern. Yes I am fine with it now but it did take a long while to stop feeling guilty for things that were left unsaid. I now cherish what good things he brought with him and lessons he taught me in life.

Thanks again
Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment

Seren

Mon, 2023-02-13 14:07

Seren's picture

I'm choked up by your poem.

My Dad died 10 days shy of the 10th anniversary of your Dad passing. I am so sorry for your loss my deepest condolences.

This is poignantly sad, he's always with you and a part of you.

That's a beautiful message to take from a sad situation.

Warm hugs Jayne xox

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

Poets Hand

Mon, 2023-02-13 14:49

Poets Hand's picture

Thank you. I was so moved by your poem that I thought I'd post this one. The last line sums it up for me.

We all grieve in different ways and the cycle of grief is not always smooth from the first emotion to the resolution of acceptance. But the process always strengthens us in more ways than we can assume.

Thanks for the warm hugs.

Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment

Seren

Mon, 2023-02-13 21:02

Seren's picture

I just said, "The soul tears/rips to accommodate the grief"

We all can only grieve in our own ways and in our own times

Hugs xox

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

Rosewood Apothecary

Mon, 2023-02-13 16:17

Rosewood Apothecary's picture
Volunteer badge

Also sorry that grief was so difficult on you. I’ve never lost someone so close. I’m scared of what I may feel when that inevitably happens. The ability to write this poem is not something everyone possesses. You do it with tact even though there are some really difficult things going on.

Tim

Poets Hand

Mon, 2023-02-13 16:31

Poets Hand's picture

Thank you for your comment and insight. My loss happened late in life at least by then I was mature enough to deal with it. My sadness goes out to those who lose loved ones when they are very young. My wife was orphaned at sixteen and her loss has robbed her of a lifetime of experiences with a mum and a dad.

Thanks for leaving this insight.
Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment

RoseBlack

Mon, 2023-02-13 18:24

RoseBlack's picture
Volunteer badge

and brave piece to write. This made me tear up as I watch my father age and develop health problems, the fear of losing him becomes more and more real every day. Your grief is felt in every word, yet your resolve to keep him alive through you is strong. Wonderful job!

~RoseBlack~

Poets Hand

Mon, 2023-02-13 19:19

Poets Hand's picture

Thank you for reading my poem and thank you for making a comment and revealing some of your own fears and doubts. My father had leukemia which brought about a slow death. He was in good hands though as he was a veteran of WW2
and had a gold card DVA and was given the best care. Nevertheless it was a terrible time.

I just wish I had thought of the things I wanted to say to him before his parting. It leaves a hollow in your life.

Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment

RoseBlack

Mon, 2023-02-13 19:26

RoseBlack's picture
Volunteer badge

For sharing a piece of your heart! My dad is a Vietnam Veteran and receives excellent care. I am his only child and the thought of being without him just overwhelms me. I know it is inevitable but dread the time.

~RoseBlack~

Poets Hand

Mon, 2023-02-13 20:41

Poets Hand's picture

Thank you for sharing that. It is indeed a frightening thought that we all have to confront at some point. I hope you can find strength through some of the poetry seen on this site. It is amazing how these poets open their hearts to the public, you included. My poetry is dim by comparison. Yet I write what I think ought to be written.

Thanks again
Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment

Poets Hand

Mon, 2023-02-13 20:41

Poets Hand's picture

Thank you for sharing that. It is indeed a frightening thought that we all have to confront at some point. I hope you can find strength through some of the poetry seen on this site. It is amazing how these poets open their hearts to the public, you included. My poetry is dim by comparison. Yet I write what I think ought to be written.

Thanks again
Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment

lovedly

Thu, 2023-02-16 09:08

lovedly's picture

I lost my mom
then within the year
dad chased her

I was not even thirty

But after 50 year years I composed a poem
MOMS SMILES
READ WORLD WIDE

about dad I can't say a thing
I'm 83
every night
yes every night he comes to calm me
stays on till I sleep

For me he is not dead still

He left a large family
all my kith and kin have joined him

I am washing their linen

for how long ask my dad for me
I feel choked believe me
even though a gran'pa
now I be
read your poignant poetry

Poets Hand

Thu, 2023-02-16 15:00

Poets Hand's picture

It is a tragic thing to lose both parents and especially so when the loss is close together. My wife was an orphan at 17 I not until much later in life. Our parents have missed out on seeing their grandchildren and great grandchildren grow up. This is the saddest part of being an orphan not being able to share the love of family with ones parents.

Dear Lovedly we know your loss and think that your poem is a wonderful legacy of love.

Poets Hand
Hannah

author comment
(c) Neopoet.com. No copyright is claimed by Neopoet to original member content.