Here are a few poems that I wrote about my fathers. I was lucky enough to have two! I miss them both everyday. These poems have been included on my other blog, http://www.reachingforbrassrings.wordpress and in my book, “Reaching for Brass Rings; A Poetry Memoir of One Woman’s Search for Healing, Spiritual Truth and Self-Love”.  Thank you for your support. I hope you find some comfort, peace and commonality in them. My book is available online through Amazon and Barnes & Nobles.  A portion of the proceeds is donated to help end the cycle of child abuse. More Love, Kimberly

 

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, nor have entered into the heart of man the things which God has prepared for those who love him.”

1 Corinthians 2:9

 

Picture Frame

I press my nose hard on the picture frame.

I want you to come alive again,

with subtle smirk, you enter the front door,

placing your postal uniform

neatly on the wire hanger.

Your oldest grandson yells “Pa!”

in his small playful voice.

I love the way you glance over your shoulder,

teasing, pretending you haven’t heard him.

Your hands rub together to make warmth,

your presence is all it takes to melt my heart.

You stand with your knees buckled,

firm and strong, the way I always see you.

Ministering for The Lord,

you are a faithful servant.

You are a wonderful grandfather,

playing ball, fishing and teaching

the little ones about Jesus.

Thrilled, your grandsons hug your small frame

laughing and sharing rides on “John Deere”.

Steady as you mow, you are my foundation.

I hear you call out my nickname,

the only person allowed to do so,

I push away the picture frame!

For the moment, my room becomes still,

I feel your presence near.

Death may be ticking! Throw out the clocks!

Hurry! Never take time for granted!

These precious moments of time.

These keepsakes. These memories.

Are great gifts of the mind!

Split second memory photographs captured

recreating those good times,

so I won’t miss you so much.

When I no longer cling to this picture frame

my need to see you again

will have been satisfied.

Until that day, I am comforted

knowing you have seen God’s face.

For My Dad, Robert (Bob) E. Williams, Sr.

(1990)

 

Final Days

 Your body aches,

muffled moans

so no one will hear.

Pain intense,

holding back screams.

 

Days ago, we took time for granted,

now, limited days are visible.

I hear your trembling

voice on the telephone.

 

Days spent crying,

nights filled with prayers

for you to be healed.

 

As seasons change,

I prepare my heart

and search for strength

to comfort beloved grandchildren.

 

I do not know the feeling of dying,

but I know a part of me is dying with you.

When I let go of your cold hand

our hearts will remain intertwined.

 

An angel will call you home one day, and

you will meet The Lord in the clouds.

Someday, we will be reunited in heaven,

with the promise of no more tears or pain.

I will run to you, hug you,

and say, “Hi dad! I sure missed you!”

For My Dad, Robert (Bob) E. Williams, Sr. (1990)

 

Heaven’s Door

You needn’t be scared

and you needn’t hurry,

there’ll be plenty of time

on the other side.

 

We, in this lifetime

will miss you,

yet your life here

must come to a close.

 

You’ve led a good life,

but now live in pain,

and though we are so very sad,

you must answer the awaiting door.

 

I won’t be selfish and hold you back,

now that your journey has begun.

So, we say farewell and hold tight,

and know your spirit will remain.

 

When it’s my time to leave,

I know you will be there for me,

with so much love, and more,

holding open heaven’s door.

For My Dad, William (Bill) Molyneaux

(2005)

 

In My Father’s Memory

 

In his eyes I felt his joy,

in his hands I shared his strength.

In his music I sang his tunes,

in his soul lived Jesus Christ.

In my heart, these memories

warm my sadness on a blistering day.

All my life I will keep his memory alive.

We had bonded and grown to appreciate

each other’s differences, my father and I.

One day our souls will reunite,

no explanation of the past

will be necessary. Our love will be

clean and free at last

because God grants mercy and forgiveness

for all misunderstandings.

 

For My Dad, Robert (Bob) E. Williams, Sr.

(1991)