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Normal People
My father is much older now
and not in the best of health.
He’s still with us, but I’ve been grieving
his loss for decades in different ways.
I tossed an old photograph of him today.
Damage comes and goes as it pleases.
I don’t mean to denigrate him.
He’s not looking for forgiveness.
Maybe he has no idea he might benefit from it
in ways he is incapable of imagining.
It’s hard to admit, but I’m worried
after all these years I won’t be able
to feel grief for him like normal people.
Perhaps, in some unintended but merciful way,
this will be the only gift he’ll be able to give.
Style / type:
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity):
I appreciate moderate constructive criticism
Review Request (Direction):
What did you think of my title?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Editing stage:
Content level:
Not Explicit Content
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Region & Country
San Francisco Bay Area - USA
Favorite Poets
Bukowski, Billy Collins, Ted Kooser, Haiku & Harvey Kurtzman (a visual poet, of sorts)
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Comments
Candlewitch
Thu, 2024-08-22 13:31
Hello Michael Anthony,
this reminds me of all the things I thought and went through in my Mothers last few days. All of our lives, we had a very rocky relationship. Mostly she had the upper hand, in abuses which I could not understand. these lines resonated with me:
It’s hard to admit, but I’m worried
after all these years I won’t be able
to feel grief for him like normal people.
In the end, she asked me for my forgiveness and I gave it, but it was a lie... my final kindness to her.
I would be interested in reading more about your tragic relationship with your father. as he had a big hand in your formation. Excellent poem.
*hugs, Cat
*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.
Michael Anthony
Thu, 2024-08-22 13:52
Thank you Cat. My
Thank you Cat. My relationship with my father has always been frought - being absent, lies, and most recently, an even darker turn with the family that has recently come to light. This piece took many edits to keep it from being to relentlessly dark (for the reader. and myself). Posting it here helps with the processing. Thank you again for sharing tyour thoughts - I value them always.
Best
Michael Anthony
author commentCandlewitch
Thu, 2024-08-22 16:22
You are very welcome.
Writing is a great way to purge, both good and bad. And Neopoet is one of the best places to post and share your thoughts. I have found tremendous support and friendship here. We are a family of poets.
*hugs, Cat
*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.
Lavender
Sat, 2024-08-24 22:30
Normal People
Hello, Michael,
I don't know how such a poem can feel beautiful, but this does because it's so genuine and sincere. (As all your poetry is...) Sometimes we don't get the opportunity from people to ask for our forgiveness, but at some point, it might not be needed in order for us to forgive them. I'm glad you shared this, and that it has helped your process.
Thank you,
L
Michael Anthony
Sun, 2024-08-25 11:55
The oddest thing about pain,
The oddest thing about pain, right L? So many beautiful things originate from pulling them out and away from the dark. Thank you for sharing your comments on this very personal piece.
Best
Michael Anthony
author comment