Carolyn Devonshire | + Follow Poet |
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Dad's Favorite Avatar

By a wind-rippled lake where shoreline willows sway
We gathered to celebrate our Dad’s last birthday

Warm autumn shades in Jersey’s leaves cast us carefree
Then a snapshot was taken, unbeknownst to me

When packing away Dad’s things for charity
There was this framed photo with familiarity

My sweater, the background and a moment of bliss
Spent rejoicing a life we now so dearly miss

Successes, even failures, have never felt the same
The confidence I had then, I’ll never reclaim

So I chose this little photo Dad saved of me
To represent the person I no longer seem to be

Taken on a day when my admiration was strong
Just seconds before we sang his final birthday song

A relic from a time when joy came with such ease
Miracles came true; life seemed it would never cease

This avatar that defines the way Dad pictured me
I submit for approval of those who wish to see

Memories of the purest love I’ve ever known
Accompany that smile and long hair windblown



*January 20, 2019
For Mark Massey’s Avatar Contest

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Lindsay Laurie Date: 1/27/2019 5:56:00 PM A lovely tribute for your Dad and a fitting memory for ever Carolyn - nicely written - Lindsay Login to Reply

Charles Messina Date: 1/27/2019 6:24:00 AM Your dad has to be looking down smiling, Carolyn. Such a lovely sentimental poem you penned. Like I said in my monoku I just wrote. "Do not be saddened by the loss of your loved ones, their wings were made for flying" Love your poem and the story that coincides with it. Love, Charlie Login to Reply

Andrew Fairchild Date: 1/22/2019 9:49:00 PM I think it's important to see the highest vision, of the best version of ourselves! Your poem really captures a longing for those moments of pure love -- I ALWAYS BELIEVE, THOSE are the things TO HANG ONTO! When God gives us only one lemondrop out of a jar of dog food, it's so important to pick out the lemondrop, and say 'thanks'! Which, with your wonderful words, you have done! I bet your dad is smiling as he reads those words! Login to Reply

Rico Leffanta Date: 1/22/2019 4:49:00 PM Lucky girl! Not everyone has a father who cherishes them! Good luck in the contest! Aloha! Rico Login to Reply

Jack Horne Date: 1/22/2019 3:26:00 PM awww, this is beautiful, hon Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/22/2019 3:46:00 PM You know how I miss him, Jack. Thanks for reading.

Silent One Date: 1/22/2019 4:45:00 AM Beautiful poem about a love between father and daughter.. Beautiful words.. Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/22/2019 12:07:00 PM Thank you, Silent One. He was a treasure to me.

Andrea Dietrich Date: 1/21/2019 5:13:00 PM this really shows the great love you had for him. I wish I had had that, Carolyn with either of my father figures. I did not think of inventing a new avatar. I was thinking to do my own that is here at Soup. I like that you chose an older picture with your dad in it. Maybe I will just do something like you did too! Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/22/2019 12:03:00 PM No, I was speaking of the Avatar I have on Soup. I found the photo, which was taken at Dad's last birthday, in his house after he died. I'm going to remove the photo above. It was only intended to set the mood. thanks for reading, Andrea

Ilene Bauer Date: 1/21/2019 12:55:00 PM a touching and beautiful poem, carolyn, and one that captures that childhood feeling so well... Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/21/2019 1:06:00 PM It's funny but no matter how old we are, daughters like me hold see their fathers in great esteem. Thank you for your kind words, Ilene.

Vladislav Raven Date: 1/21/2019 10:40:00 AM Hi Carolyn, there is no bond like the bond of Father and daughter. This is such a lovely tribute write to someone so special to you. Memories shall always sing of this special man. It is wonderful, the memories we keep. Cherish always the memories. He is proud of who you are. All the best for the contest. Have a wonderful Monday. Hugs....Mike. XX Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/21/2019 12:27:00 PM He really was special in so many ways. I was blessed to have the best Dad. Everyone loved him -- a man with no enemies. That's what they discussed during his eulogy. Thanks for reading.

Paul Callus Date: 1/21/2019 10:19:00 AM It's amazing what memories a little avatar is capable of holding, Carolyn. Having a real bond between father and daughter is something truly special; unfortunately many have never experienced anything of the sort. Hugs // paul Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/21/2019 10:38:00 AM I regret that Valentina did not have this with her father, Paul, but she has you and you really stepped up to the plate and hit it right out of the ballpark. The poem you wrote about your granddaughter just confirmed what I already knew. I would never have known this photo was taken unless I'd found it framed and on display in Dad's house after he died.

Jan Allison Date: 1/21/2019 8:50:00 AM I guess you have such precious memories every time you log on and the the beautiful picture Carolyn:-) I am sure your father was so so proud of you:-) hugs jan xx Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/21/2019 9:00:00 AM My sister's success made him proud, but he was always there to help me in the way only a loving father can. I do think of him each time I see that photo. Thanks, Jan

Vijay Pandit Date: 1/21/2019 8:40:00 AM This is a sweet tribute to your Dad..and a loving walk through memory lane..written as ..only a proud daughter can. Login to Reply Carolyn Devonshire Date: 1/21/2019 8:58:00 AM Dare I say he was the greatest Dad any girl ever had? It seemed that way to me. Thanks for reading, Vijay