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Ghostly Dad

GHOSTLY DAD

new year’s eve
a ghostly frost coats his chair
front porch so still
car horns downtown
turn back the clock

new year’s eve
no moon    no starry night
no dad to share
in a sudden breeze
a leaf floats down from somewhere

early new year’s eve
the last trolley car dings by
that long yellow row
if he’s aboard
he doesn’t get off

new year’s eve
late cold coming in
clear as a bell
he points
the big dipper

on new year’s eve
dad and brother made ice cream
mom put on her new coat
i got one too
the vanilla stain still there

Dave Austin

new yeartanka

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Maurice Yvonne

January 10, 2015 at 7:46 AM

I think it is all a matter of perspective. This work is interesting. In most stanzas I feel you alone observing with a twilight zone type of emptiness around you, but the last stanza is bright and cheery until the vanilla stain circles us back to the first stanza. This is a never ending tanka. Even in its melancholy air again it is that sense of family and the bright light shone on most of the last stanza.

Monterey Sirak

January 6, 2015 at 8:42 AM

Wow! Melancholy memories. "The last trolley car" is such a poignant image.

Joe Maverick

January 4, 2015 at 1:38 PM

Soup mail ..'

Sara Kendrick

January 4, 2015 at 10:40 AM

Ahh!! Enjoyed reading your work..Thanks for stopping by..Long ago vanilla ice cream stain that made a fine work..Sara

Andrea Dietrich

January 3, 2015 at 8:17 PM

Jan said it well, hauntingly sad, Daver. And the memories must be painful even after all this time. I enjoyed seeing this set.

Joe Maverick

January 2, 2015 at 9:52 PM

I would guess some of this is based on facts Daver.? I tried the 'mirror exercises' as you directed, but was such a task, owing to the mask.) so that only means removal of 'irritant' as a final means to the end, at this point I think it best to ascertain your address..' I was just reading from my acme book of government advice on how best to handle such an occasion L O L)) oh ps I enjoyed the above I'd better let you know now, as it will be impossible after my visit..'