By Default

As we rode through a fog, my father and I,
the car we were in, seemed to know its way home
Hands on the wheel, without eyes on the road

We were numb from the cold.  No words left to say ....

We had prayed through the night in a hospital haze,
clinging to a hope, that had slipped far away
     Until the end of the world came upon the new day

Arriving home in the car, unable to talk,
our hopes and our tears had nowhere to land. 
If just one would escape, where would it go?   
No shoulder, ...no dam.  How would they stop?...
 
My Dad was in shock, as he stood  by the gate, 
         a glaze in his eyes, ......and a million years old

My feet froze in place, and knees shivered cold
but as the sun rose, I reached out to hold 
his hand in the dawn, and took the control

I took him inside, and with deliberate intrusion
I fed him some soup, and put him to bed
He was the child, and I the adult
Day after day, somehow by default
our roles were reversed, ...and I became strong
My childhood had ended,.....and his had begun

_______________________________________________________
Copyright © | Year Posted 2015


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Date: 4/24/2018 7:29:00 AM
That's a strong and touching poem, Carrie. Congrats on your win.
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Date: 4/22/2018 2:00:00 PM
Congratulations on your win with this poem. So tender and sad. I don't have words.
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Date: 4/22/2018 10:34:00 AM
Wow. A FAVE for me. I love how you delivered this beauty, Carrie. Congrats on your most deserved win.
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Date: 4/22/2018 10:28:00 AM
Oh, Carrie, the pain in your exquisitely-written poem mirrors my own. I was 32 when my Mom passed away too soon at age 55, and I had to take my Dad under my wings too. Your poem is a Fave for me, and I offer you my heartfelt congratulations on your well-deserved Podium win. Hugs, Sandra
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Date: 4/22/2018 10:01:00 AM
Very nice. Heart-rending. I like it. Many congrats.
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Date: 4/22/2018 9:27:00 AM
It must be hard for a child to become caretaker of their parent. You captured the emotions.
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Date: 12/9/2016 1:36:00 PM
One powerful poem, Carrie. Cheers, Doug.
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Date: 12/9/2016 12:52:00 PM
Excellent! Congrats Carrie! :-)
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Date: 12/9/2016 12:35:00 PM
Very powerful Carrie. Congratulations!
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Date: 11/21/2016 9:40:00 PM
I agree with Frank, Carrie....you were born to write. Elaine
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Date: 4/30/2015 7:51:00 PM
WONDERFUL WIN...SKAT
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Date: 4/29/2015 5:48:00 AM
Dropping back with my congrats:-) Hugs Jan xx
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Date: 4/28/2015 2:53:00 PM
Amazing win Carrie... LINDA
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Date: 4/28/2015 2:39:00 PM
I loved your poem, Carrie...but, then, I always love your poems. The second stanza is outstanding. Congratulations!
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Date: 4/28/2015 1:50:00 PM
Glad to see another of my favorite writers on the list. Potent poem Carrie. Congrats.
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Date: 4/24/2015 8:52:00 AM
One of the best poems I've read in my long life. My father died from cancer when I was only 15 and I often dream of my father living long enough for me to care for him as he did me! A7, deserves a super 10 IMHO.. Bravo!!!!!!! Adding to my fav list .... thanks..
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Date: 4/24/2015 6:23:00 AM
very powerful poem Carrie so descriptive love it gl in contest hugs
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Date: 4/23/2015 8:10:00 PM
All I can say to this is, wow! This is a winner whatever the outcome of the contest may be.
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Date: 4/23/2015 7:47:00 PM
This is superb. Should be a top winner, Carrie.
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Date: 4/23/2015 6:29:00 PM
Fear, love, realization and acceptance. Thank you, Carrie.
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Date: 4/23/2015 5:41:00 PM
oh Carrie this made me sad - such a poignant moment:-( Hugs Jan xx good luck in the contest 7 xx
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