Dad's Typewriter

After my father died, I moved to his old house
Donated many large items to charities
As each item was removed, tears streamed down my blouse
But some were not wanted; what would become of these?
 
Set up a table in the yard; sign said, “Free Stuff”
The old Underwood typewriter wasn’t set out
Parting with memories it evoked was just too rough
It symbolized Dad’s life, without any doubt
 
The late night hours a CPA spent at his desk
With my cat curled up next to him, evoking grins
As Dad typed away, little Prince looked statuesque
I learned to type on what is now a “has been”
 
This manual contraption replaced by high tech
Represented a man who worked to provide
Freely offering love, but stretching each pay check
To give us a better life, Dad’s efforts applied
 
The hours work took away from his family
I used to resent, but I understand more now
A sacrifice he made for my siblings and me
The thought of parting with it I couldn’t allow
 
The typewriter remains on Dad’s desk in the den
As a reminder of how hard he worked to please
Sometimes I still peck at the letters now and then
When I’m missing Dad most, somehow it brings me peace
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Greenlee Avatar
June 24, 2011 at 8:19 AM
Beautiful....lovely emotion met here.I could not part with that sediment either.Thank you for supporting my work.....great day to you love....
Benson Avatar
June 19, 2011 at 6:08 AM
Nice poem Carolyn. Some items have strings of memories attached to them. And it is lovely sometimes to see them around.
Neels Avatar
June 16, 2011 at 9:14 AM
I am glad you kept your dad's typewriter Carolyn, this is really beautiful, wishing you all the best for the contest :) love wilma
K. Avatar
June 16, 2011 at 1:27 AM
These things of sentimental value can indeed bring us peace, somehow connecting us to the people we love, of those treasured memories-- a very moving piece about your dad & his typewriter, Carolyn-- hugs :)
Dietrich Avatar
June 15, 2011 at 10:06 PM
I believe you answered all the questions this poem should have addressed. You got yourself a winner and I love that it was you dad's typewriter you found. Cool topic!
Foulk Avatar
June 15, 2011 at 8:18 PM
I am really happy that you kept his typewriter, I my self keep every thing and i know that when i die a lot of my stuff will be thrown away or sold. this was a very touching piece that brought a tear your dad must have been one great person and am glad you posted this here for us to enjoy. thank you for commenting on Warm Breezes.
Horne Avatar
June 15, 2011 at 1:19 PM
Sweet and loving write, my friend. Very touching indeed
Maverick Avatar
June 15, 2011 at 12:57 PM
Yes Carolyn, you have touched on a lot that i value in this poem, really enjoyed the tribute you have paid to a (real Dad)
Austin Avatar
June 15, 2011 at 11:12 AM
keeping a memory - we have a baby grand piano, a Baldwin, that Bev refuses to sell. It needs a lot of work, is never played, takes up room, but it is so memorable for her. Enjoyed your memories. LOve, Dave
Bloomsfield Avatar
June 15, 2011 at 12:58 AM
Oki you did it!tears on my cheeks.. Heartwrenching,sad yet very beautiful,so much emotions of those we love and lost,so many memories to hold on to..hope ur fine sweet lady!
Agtani Avatar
June 14, 2011 at 8:58 PM
Wow nice reminiscent of a love one Carolyn! I follow your verses and it touch my feelings, the beautiful words you used to expound your Dad's typewriter is a lasting tribute to him. I will see you again in PS. Dalila
Long Avatar
June 14, 2011 at 11:45 AM
sometimes I wish I had a type writer.. Like when I loose a paper.. very nicely done. cory
Locksley Avatar
June 14, 2011 at 11:29 AM
The typewriter may have been a has been but I bet it was more reliable than a computer. From the memories it give you I'm not surprised you chose to keep it. Your father was a great man. Good luck in the contest!
Brown Avatar
June 14, 2011 at 7:29 AM
It was a pleasure to read your heartfelt poetry this morning Carolyn. Please keep sharing your writing with us. I wish you much inspiration that you may continue with your writing endeavors whatever they may be. Love, Carol
Poet Avatar
June 14, 2011 at 4:00 AM
Very touching and emotional write here Carolyn....Best wishes...pl.visit me..
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
June 14, 2011 at 12:20 AM
Some things are just priceless...like special memories! Very nice. Lovingly, Dane Ann
Beck Avatar
June 13, 2011 at 10:23 PM
yes it is very touching and I understand the feelings entirely.........I hope the typewriter is passed down as an heirloom for generations Carolyn....a great contest entry no doubt a winner circle entry ....best wishes Syd
Johnson Avatar
June 13, 2011 at 8:16 PM
Like my dads old razor strap, the things we hold where memories sat, all too quick the time has passed, but hold we do things that mattered, last:)
Dufresne Avatar
June 13, 2011 at 7:20 PM
a shining tribute to your Dad and your relationship with him. I ,of course, pictured it all including Prince. Easy to do. My cat buckwheat cozies up to the warmth of my computer. Prince had no such warmth from the old typewriter. His warmth no doubt came from your Dad.. oh yeah good luck Carolyn but I doubt you'll need it. :)
Mehta Avatar
June 13, 2011 at 6:00 PM
What a touchy and moving memories of your dad you have shared with us, Carolyn.
Dailey Avatar
June 13, 2011 at 5:47 PM
Good luck in the contest - this terrific tribute to your dad should do well in it. Mike
Soulfire Avatar
June 13, 2011 at 5:37 PM
Beautiful tribute to your Dad, Carolyn. I can totally understand why you couldn't part with that old Underwood. ~Soulfire~
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace