Home » Poems » Anne-Lise Andresen » - a Gloomy Image -

- a Gloomy Image -

"A photograph (1949) - my father's story, a gloomy image" A young man, who already has a heavy luggage The backpack he has been carrying since birth a gloomy image ... The struggle to be present in life He pushes his hair away from his eyes where he walks in an unknown city Everyone knows it's pretty tough to be young It's about growing up ... fast Dare to go out into the world, naked and vulnerable - a gloomy image ... He had to help his mother, stepfather and half siblings - a financial support Wish I could read his thoughts Dig a little deeper into the human mind The meaning behind your pain Humiliation and never accepted This is not a sunshine story a gloomy image ... Although the photograph is yellowed and faded His thoughts means an irreplaceable role for some 12.09.2019 Sun :) - A-L Andresen :) Copyright © All Rights Reserved Writing Challenge 2, September 2019 - The Photograph Sponsor, Dear Heart - Wiishkobi Ode 3rd place in the contest

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem.

Please Login to post a comment

Constance La France

Date: 10/3/2019 5:42:00 PM

Anne-Lise congratulations on your win in my challenge with this wonderful write!

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 10/4/2019 3:47:00 AM

- A pleasure to attend ... many thanks, D.H. :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Judy Ball

Date: 9/15/2019 9:10:00 AM

My dad was quiet too. He never talked about his life growing up or the hardships he faced going through two wars. Sometimes he just sat and stared into space with a troubled look on his face. All we can do is let them know we love them and how proud we are to be their daughters. Great job. Good luck in the contest.\This reads like a winner to me. God Bless, JB

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 10/4/2019 3:46:00 AM

- The older generation is silent about their sad background, Judy - Many thanks for visiting and lovely comment :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Bobby May

Date: 9/13/2019 12:34:00 PM

All fathers have a story you have told his story through thoughts and memories, what a great tribute from a daughter! He is a lucky man to have a daughter with such love for him contest or not, you are a winner!

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 10/4/2019 3:43:00 AM

- Yes, we all have a story, Bobby ... and we all have a childhood ... some happy others sad - Many thanks for visiting and lovely comment - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Joseph May

Date: 9/13/2019 9:25:00 AM

Sometimes a photograph tells an emotion filled story...Best wishes in the Contest..

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/13/2019 9:42:00 AM

- His story will never be forgotten ... but it is old now ... and cannot be changed - Thank you, Joseph :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Vijay Pandit

Date: 9/13/2019 8:08:00 AM

So very heartfelt and touching, Anne-Lise. A tribute to your father you wrote...I feel your emotions..wishing you knew more and help somehow. All the best.

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/13/2019 9:38:00 AM

- My dad turns 86 next year ... most of his family are dead now ... he's sick and old ... alone in a nursing home ... I visit him every week :) - Thank you, Vijay :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Kim Rodrigues

Date: 9/12/2019 8:57:00 PM

Photographs tell a part of the story.

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/13/2019 3:10:00 AM

- The other part ... is his own thoughts and feelings - Thank you, Kim :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Vladislav Raven

Date: 9/12/2019 8:02:00 PM

Hi Anne-Lise, your words paint the image Anne-Lise. Excellent poetry does not need pictures, it needs but emotion and you have shared your emotions with us. Sometimes we do wonder about our parents lives. It seems, your father had a hard life, you find that most people who have don't tell all. This reads like a winner my friend. Emotions always sing. Have a wonderful Friday. hugs....Mike. XX

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/13/2019 3:07:00 AM

- When one knows the story ... there is a lot that need not be said ... a bad childhood ... an unloved child ... an alcoholic stepfather ... half siblings who do as their father says ... a mother who crying ... the oldest "child" has a lot on his shoulders .... but his inner thoughts, nobody knows, Mike - Thank you :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Ilene Bauer

Date: 9/12/2019 3:54:00 PM

well done, anne-lise! i guess we can never really know the story behind some photographs but i like the way you've expressed your thoughts about your father here...

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/13/2019 2:57:00 AM

- I know the story well, Ilene ... but his thoughts no one knows - Thank you :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Sandra Adams

Date: 9/12/2019 11:54:00 AM

what a touching story...your father glows beautifully through your words...i haven't attempted this contest yet but your poem shines through your pen. :) hugs

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/12/2019 12:13:00 PM

- My sister and I are writing a book about our family ... the poem was already written ... thank you, Sandra :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Chris Green

Date: 9/12/2019 11:37:00 AM

Very telling and touching my friend. It would be nice if we could see into the minds of our parents and really understand how they saw the struggles they faced. beautifully done.

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/12/2019 12:17:00 PM

- Theme is very vulnerable to my father, he did everything for his family ... but, was never accepted - Thank you, Chris :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Jennifer Proxenos

Date: 9/12/2019 11:32:00 AM

Hi Anne-Lise, Your Dad seemed to have had a hard life but loved you all so much - he sacrificed a great deal to help you all - a wonderful tribute to him my friend. Hugs and blessings, Jennifer.

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/12/2019 11:55:00 AM

- Dear Jenny ... I was not born in 1954 - My father was young ... His stepfather was an alcoholic ... my father had to raise money for his mother and siblings ... (and drink money for his stepfather, unfortunately - ... My dad hates alcohol ... he stayed sober throughout his life - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Tom Cunningham

Date: 9/12/2019 10:36:00 AM

Well written Anne, you.didn't need to attach the photo., your words gave us the image. Good luck. Tom

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/12/2019 11:59:00 AM

- I've tried to post this picture ... without success .... but, the story is true Tom :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Sunlite Wanter

Date: 9/12/2019 10:12:00 AM

Sweet tribute, Sunshine. My father, too, had a tough time. He was one of ten children, sold papers on the street when he was six to give to his family.

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/12/2019 12:09:00 PM

- Everyone had to make some money at a young age at that time .... but, my father's stepfather drank up the money ... a long and sad story, Sunlite - hugs // Anne-Lise :)

Regina Mcintosh

Date: 9/12/2019 8:40:00 AM

Very thought provoking. A young, and tough man - sounds like you knew his story well. Painted a photo with words. Blessings to you.

Anne-Lise Andresen
Date: 9/12/2019 12:04:00 PM

- Yes, I know his story well Regina ... my sister and I are writing a book about our family ... an exciting project ... with both tears and smiles :) - hugs // Anne-Lise :)