When last we met,
You were a shadow.
A dream…
A ghost from long ago.
Like the tune to a forgotten song,
You’re still here,
But almost gone.
I don’t think you know I’m here.
You are lost…
About to disappear.
Where you’ve gone,
I know not where,
But, surely you must still be in there.
Oh, daddy…
Do you know it’s me?
When you look,
What do you see?
Do you see me looking at you?
The little girl,
Who still loves you…
Update: I’ve just been awarded the Perfect Poet Award from the Poet’s Poetry Cafe website. This poem was so personal, and so painful for me to read and to write. I’m quite overcome.
I feel I should add this as a footnote to this poem.
The problem with my father isn’t Alzheimer’s or anything like that. Unfortunately, it’s something worse. It’s drugs. Last time I saw him he was so out of his mind on drugs he just sat there and stared into space most of the time.
It was unnerving.
It is hard to watch a parents demise, my father seems to be losing his marbles and it isn’t pretty to watch :o(
My heart goes out to you.
Heartbreaking Gwen.
One of my nephews visits his father regularly in a longterm care facility where he ended up because of a drug overdose. Absolutely tragic.
I’m so sorry, Gwen. I’m throwing in a few hugs for whatever good they may do …
Thanks, everyone. I’ve been thinking about my dad a lot lately, which is something I try not do to.
Having taken care of my elderly father… I totally understand. Nicely done.
A sincere poem. You have expressed your pain very well, and in doing so, give voice to others too. Thank you for sharing!
Very touching and well written. All the best to the both of you.
Thank you all so much for your wonderful comments and support. Tears were streaming down my face as I wrote this poem. Even now, I can’t read it without weeping.
The whole situation just seems so hopeless.
It’s so sad. I hope you can find solace.
It’s sad when your existence means little if nought to those to whom it should be cherished. I can apply empathy here and am happy to have found something so touching. An epic masterpiece of poetic art.
beautiful…
a daughter’s love is always precious to have and image.
Thanks for sharing the wonder and passion.
bless both of You!
I hope your love will save him… It’s really sad how a person can consciously do so much harm to himself and those who love him. Bless you!
Heart-rending and sadly beautiful. Power laguishes in every word. Expressive and thought provoking. An important piece, indeed.
Sand and beautiful and far, far too close to home. All you can do is pray.
http://wp.me/pPury-2C
God bless you, for such a caring poem to a father.. Your love is a good medicine already! Prayers and hope, I send them your way!
sweet I hope he sees you again some day. It may be fleeting but it would be worth it.
Aww..that was emotional and so sweet..
Alcina
Touching and sweet
You did a wonderful job describing the emotions and the experience. It’s an upsetting topic, and you did well.
I am so sorry this must be horrible to see. Blessings.
I’m pleased that you explained this. It made the experience much more immediate and I felt for you.
This is sad.
When I first started reading it, I thought he was a memory – I related immediately to my children who lost their father to death eleven years ago and still mourn and long for his presence. I think this must be harder.
I wish you courage.
Such a sad piece–your pain is, well, painfully clear. Thanks for sharing this for the rally.
Sorry to hear that…sometimes drugs take over and people lose their mind…one day I hope he returns your love as you wish him to 🙂
enjoy the rally!
http://lynnaima.wordpress.com/2011/05/23/rest/
Incredibly touching. My father is an alcoholic, and your words resonate with me.
A very loving thought.
Potent, powerful, rife with emotion.
I like the simplicity of this poem coupled with such a heavy, melancholy subject matter. Good job.
Very strong and yet sad words. I feel for you, it must be a real struggle to deal with a parent on drugs. Let’s hope he comes back to you soon.
Tough!!!! But then thats life… and its not fair…
thnx for sharing.
Such a beautiful poem, nice work. (:
http://robinelizabeth58.wordpress.com/2011/05/25/to-you/
WOW! Nice writing ;-D
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please nominate a poet for week 46, leave a comment to let me know, give the poet’s link.
Cheers.
Thank you so much for the award! I’d like to nominate my dear friend and poet-in-arms Blitzken’s poem for week 46
https://randommisanthrope.com/2011/05/27/yeah-i-shed/
A well deserved award it was, for a well-written open piece! I am honoured to be nominated by you!
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This is an absolutely beautiful poem. I am moved to tears. Thank you for sharing. My prayers are with you and your father.
For the longest time I couldn’t read this piece without bursting into tears, and I still get all weepy eyed when I look at it. We definitely need those prayers. Thank you very much for your support, and your nomination.
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