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Caught in the Act
You used to sing sometimes
in your man-cave under the house
when we were playing outside:
It’s only words and humming
and words are all I have -
a song not meant for six-year-olds;
You had more than words,
even back then I could sense,
I knew somehow there was more:
The look in your eyes and
delight clear in the wrinkles
at their tired edges of love
whenever you got home
from work when I surprised you then,
or now in this moment now here,
busy painting a name, Paul or David, I can’t recall
on the trailer of a tricycle I couldn’t see;
it was for some kid in the parish.
Only later, much later did I understand
Christmas was a poor one that year;
those tricycles were brand new we thought
wondering how Santa managed the chimney
so narrow; the struggle needed that beer on
the mantelpiece which explained the lipstick
on the glass; or was it blood you both
shared in the silent poverty of faithful trust in . . .
the more, for whom no words are adequate?
That tenderness, Dad, was the more,
a gift beyond any tricycle new or otherwise;
fatherly love imbued all through and divinised.
Just as well I can write, for like you
I couldn’t say without welling up with tears;
and words are all I have of gratitude and love
for you, yes, but more for the Mystery
by whom we both share life and love still;
and while I paint with only words in a poem
crafted in the skilful creativity, yes,
bequeathed by a mother’s artful talents,
all I hope is to be also caught in the act…of love!
Style / type:
Free verse
Review Request (Intensity):
I want the raw truth, feel free to knock me on my back
Review Request (Direction):
What did you think of my title?
How was my language use?
What did you think of the rhythm or pattern or pacing?
How does this theme appeal to you?
How was the beginning/ending of the poem?
Is the internal logic consistent?
[This option has been removed]
Last few words:
I wrote this on the thirtieth anniversary of my father's death.
Editing stage:
Content level:
Not Explicit Content
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Comments
Candlewitch
Wed, 2023-01-25 15:10
dear Patrick,
Wow!
this poem is exquisitely laid out in structure. i like your title, it takes form in the readers mind and is what you make of it. I was surprised by the ending, I loved it! is this form what is known as Tercets?
thanks for sharing this!
*hugs, Cat
*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.
Rosewood Apothecary
Wed, 2023-01-25 18:47
Divinised
Good word! I’m giddy.
Tim
lovedly
Wed, 2023-03-01 06:42
great free stylly
poemeeeeeeeeeeee
Candlewitch
Thu, 2023-03-02 08:44
hello Patrick,
I loved these lines best:
crafted in the skilful creativity, yes,
bequeathed by a mother’s artful talents,
all I hope is to be also caught in the act…of love!
*hugs, Cat
*
When someone reads your work
And responds, please be courteous
And reply in kind, thanks.
Patrick Terrence
Sat, 2023-03-04 14:31
Thank you, Cat.
Thank you, Cat.