Karen Jones Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

My father was murdered over 30 years ago but his memory still lives fresh in my mind. Despite dilemma in our father daughter relationship he was still my hero and a provider.

Concrete Kiss

There was a silence then a group gasp
As I bent over the coffin of my dad
He was murdered in Atlanta Georgia
Shot in the head as he left a store
But such details matter no more
I noticed his curly hair and miss his eyes
His humor his smile his stare
I know his complexion should be fair 
But for the mortician’s makeup
He was put back together 
Like a puzzle with death’s muzzle 
Not thinking of that in the moment 
I planted a warm kiss on his cold cheek
It would be the last

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Paula Goldsmith January 25, 2026 at 10:47 AM Thanks.... You just wrote on my, "Living Without A Loved One" and talked about this one from you. First, I am so very sorry about your dad. I find the Hurt is still there for me. I do Not know how I missed this as POTD. A late and very big "Congratulations" on it. Hugs with blessings as you write away................ Karen Jones January 25, 2026 at 12:27 PM Thank you! I understand. We never stop missing them. :0( hugs

Constance La France January 20, 2026 at 3:45 AM Karen, I have tears, an emotional write beautifully penned, congratulations on receiving the POEM OF THE DAY, Constance Karen Jones January 20, 2026 at 5:59 AM Thank you Constance hugs

Paige Hind January 16, 2026 at 9:58 PM Congrats on the belated POTD!! As I said, I understand, I'm sorry. Karen Jones January 17, 2026 at 12:03 AM Paige thanks so much!

Kim Rodrigues January 14, 2026 at 11:57 AM Oh so awful, dear Karen! We can work through such thoughts in our poetry. Congrats on POTD! Karen Jones January 14, 2026 at 12:39 PM Thank you Kim!

I Am Anaya January 13, 2026 at 11:13 AM Your note breaks my heart, & your poem had me compelled in suspense. Many can relate to such relationships with their father, yet you beautifully moved on, with a shiny nature only you can be, for us to share. Belated Congratulations on POTD! Most deserving!!!! XO Karen Jones January 13, 2026 at 11:43 AM Your words are kind and mean a lot thanks Anaya!

Abdullah Alhemaidy January 12, 2026 at 10:49 PM My sincere condolences dear Karen, best prayers. Congrats on POTD! Karen Jones January 13, 2026 at 1:16 AM Thank you Abdullah!

Christopher Delegans January 12, 2026 at 7:45 PM Coming back again after I noticed your POTD honor. Congrats and well deserved, Karen! Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 7:50 PM You are kind to return Christopher! Thank you!

Ghairo Daniels January 12, 2026 at 3:48 PM Salute ! Karen. Your sunny personality shines through your acceptance of what Life brings. ThkU for sharing how your Dad passed in a tender yet matter of fact way ~ concrete yet filled with Love. A much deserved POTD. Congrats & Peace. Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 3:53 PM Ghairo your words are warm and kind very much appreciate you! Thanks.

Brandy Nicole January 12, 2026 at 3:32 PM Dearest Karen, so sorry to hear what happened to your father. While ' such details matter no more, ' his life you remember. And those moments will remain in your heart. Your words have been chosen as Poem of the Day, my dear friend. Hugs and blessings to you. Brandy Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 3:43 PM Brandy I am surprised frankly that such a somber poem was selected but it makes a sliver or silver from a dark cloud. Thanks for warm words. Hugs and blessings returned.

Gershon Wolf January 12, 2026 at 12:21 PM 'Such details?!' You, my lady, are a forgiving person... And certainly that keeps anger from eating you up... My hat's off to you. Faith and Strength, Gershon Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 12:36 PM Dearest Gershon life has taught me forgiving benefits the forgiver as much as the forgiven! I am healed and blessed by God to make it through despite dilemma. Hugs for I think you recall exactly what abuse I experienced but it wasn’t all bad experiences in my childhood. Thanks for your support!

Tania Kitchin January 12, 2026 at 7:14 AM Karen, Oh my goodness. So sorry your family had to go through such a horrific and tragic death of your Dad. My condolences to you and your family. Congratulations on POTD with your heartfelt emotive poem. Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 7:34 AM Thank you Tania!

Connie Pachecho January 12, 2026 at 5:39 AM Karen, you poured your heart and raw emotions into this poem, and your father would be proud. That unfateful day will never return. But you breathed life into his cherished memory, and all those around you are deeply touched. Sincere condolences and prayers. Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 5:51 AM I need your prayers from prayer warriors like YOU so thank you Connie!

Unseeking Seeker January 12, 2026 at 5:07 AM I see this actually happened ~ a terrible tragedy. Deepest condolences, Karen. Sending heartfelt prayers for you and your dad. Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 5:34 AM It’s been over 30 years Unseeking Seeker but I still remember it as if it was yesterday. Thanks for the thoughtful prayers. Hugs

Zyrool Gifford January 12, 2026 at 2:57 AM Hello Karen, Deepest condolences for the loss of your father. May the good Lord comfort you. Congratulations on your very moving and heartfelt poem being featured as POTD. Sending Blessings your way, my poet friend. Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 5:32 AM Your kind comments are appreciated Zyrool!

Beryl Edmonds January 12, 2026 at 1:36 AM I’m sorry to read that your dad had such a tragic end to his life Karen. Congratulations on having received poem of the day… Beryl Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 2:47 AM Thank you Beryl.

Tom Cunningham January 12, 2026 at 12:33 AM So sorry for your loss Karen, to lose your dad that way is truly heartbreaking. Congratulations to you on a well deserved POTD. Tom Karen Jones January 12, 2026 at 2:47 AM Wow! I didn’t know. Thank you.

Elami Zuberi January 11, 2026 at 7:48 AM This was a poem that I can really relate to but even if I didn’t, it’s a carefully penned work with palpable emotion. Beauty birthed by tragedy Karen Jones January 11, 2026 at 12:00 PM I appreciate you reading it Elami! Thank you!

Paige Hind January 10, 2026 at 7:13 PM I am so sorry for your loss. I lost my dad a few years ago too. Condolences Karen Jones January 10, 2026 at 9:13 PM Aaaaaah I am so sorry Paige. It is a big void that time will not fill but love does. Deepest sympathies.

Christopher Delegans January 10, 2026 at 10:44 AM Very relatable. I lost my Father so many years ago when I was 18. Your poem captures the raw emotion and pain. I couldn't imagine dealing with your specific circumstances. I hope good memories of your Father can bring you some sort of peace, Karen. Karen Jones January 10, 2026 at 10:54 AM Thanks dear! I remind myself that he was present not perfect but a dedicated father. Not everyone had that! He would write poetry with me and yes I have fond warm memories!Hugs

Sara Kendrick January 10, 2026 at 10:26 AM I am saddened to learn of this. No matter how long ago a parent dies, we still miss them. Mine have been dead now, well, 30 years for daddy and 28 for my mother. I can't imagine how hard it must have been for you to face the fact of murder. Thank you for sharing this one with us. Sara K Karen Jones January 10, 2026 at 10:35 AM Thanks for reading and for your compassion Sara. I send you warm thoughts and prayers for you also mourn the loss of your parents! I guess the gray rainy day leaves me thinking of loved ones passed. I will try to write a happy poem next. Hugs

Andrea Dietrich January 10, 2026 at 9:13 AM Oh my. What a tragic thing to have happen. And to someone so dear to you. This is so emotive and well written. A fave for me Karen Jones January 10, 2026 at 9:24 AM Wish it wasn’t true Andrea. Thanks so much for the fav!