Papa

~ Papa ~ Dawn broke uneasy o'er damp, dreary lane Fish markets open, the merchant a-bustle Hawking his fresh catch to eke out a gain Daily routine, one of stressed, ceaseless hustle Perils of prepping each fish for display Callouses, cuts and old scars that he'd hide Leathery skin soaked in brine and dismay Profits already had started to slide... Meanwhile at home wife and children slept sound Knowing that Papa was busy at work Earning a living straight up, pound by pound Back-breaking labor which he would not shirk Papa Giovanni, a man oh-so-proud His praises be sung in the fish market loud August 15, 2020 Strand Completely New (#25) Poetry Contest Sponsor: Brian Strand

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Caren Krutsinger

Date: 8/20/2020 3:48:00 PM

Ah, this is a poetry prose worthy of any contest. I like the feelings and the integrity in this one!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/20/2020 7:03:00 PM

You know what? I thank you for giving me an idea here. Maybe I'll enter one of Brian Strand's contests with this one. Thank you, Ma'am. (You get 49% of the glory I this one is a winner; I get 49%... 2% still undecided). :) gw

Indiana Shaw

Date: 8/18/2020 3:44:00 PM

So, not your Papa then, but; so worthy of a write to the Papa spoke of, a keen observation of a good hard-working man at work, Gershon, nice one . . . : )

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/18/2020 5:08:00 PM

The salt of the earth are often the spice of life too! Thanks, Indiana!

Arturo Michael

Date: 8/15/2020 5:33:00 PM

There's a lot of good men in the world...we don't hear about in the news..I like the message of the write...

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/18/2020 5:03:00 PM

That's right. The truly good men (and women) often fly under the radar, and good for them! Thanks, Arturo. :) gw

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 8/15/2020 2:02:00 PM

Very nice tribute!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/15/2020 9:45:00 PM

Thanks for joining this tribute, Kim! Light and Hope, Gershon

Carolyn Devonshire

Date: 8/15/2020 12:23:00 PM

Gershon, there was a report about fishermen and cowboys having the most strenuous work. You described "Papa's" routine so well, my friend. As a reader (and fisherwoman), this gets a fave. Hugs, carolyn

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/15/2020 9:54:00 PM

Oh, thank you so much. FAVES are always honor for me... I wrote this one from my memories of the Fulton Street Fish Market in Chicago, which I had the privilege of seeing a few times years ago -- about 2:00 a.m. or so each time. Thanks, Carolyn

Heidi Sands

Date: 8/14/2020 5:21:00 PM

This is so nice. Such a clear picture of a hard working man. Well done :)

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/15/2020 9:37:00 PM

Thank you so much, Heidi! Your comment has greatly encouraged me, as what you wrote affirms what I was trying to create with this poem. Light and Joy, my friend! :) gw

Ilene Bauer

Date: 8/14/2020 4:52:00 PM

wonderful, gershon! i love this!

Gershon Wolf
Date: 8/15/2020 8:13:00 PM

Thank you for your enthusiasm about 'Papa,' ilene. Hope you're having a good weekend! Happy Sunday to you (tomorrow)! Light and Joy, Gershon