Notes About The Poem

“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you.” - Shannon Adler

-----
Jinjagoliath poem:
28th January 2024
-----

Poem of the Day - 31st January 2024 - this poem is a tribute to my Dad (92) who eventually decided to call in quits on the morning of the 27th. He was loved and his life had been full to the brim. A poet himself, back in the day, as I discovered only recently. He wrote a great deal while he was posted to Singapore in the 1950s connecting with the Wesleyan Methodist Church there. On return home, he started and ran a youth club, every Friday night, that lasted for 50 years from 1970. He loved life but his passing was timely, his legacy far reaching.

Listen to poem:

Golden Hearts - ::POTD::

How does it feel?
It's hard to tell
Sad when I pause
Taking moments to dwell

It's the pearl that is lost
It's the half-empty shell 
It's the un-told story
It's the water-less well

How does it feel?
Deep emotion stirs
Where the long goodbye
Has now lifted it's curse

And the shadowy valley
At last is traversed
So the heavenly moonlight
Guides the soul, now immersed

To the traveller's rest 
Angel bells welcome in
As adventure concludes
Ending all earthly din

Yet, we cheer and we shout
For a presence so full
Not a moment's regret
Nothing mundane or dull

The poet and lover
Of life and it's pasture
Your memory rich
While you journey to rapture

Though a vacancy sign
Is erected below you
As we move to conclude 
Let our words rise to show you..

This love legacy, bright
It will sparkle forever
For you taught us of hope
As you bound us together

It's a beautiful tether
That will never be broken
Your legacy, strong
And of you, highly spoken 

As our eyes may be teary
As these words are no measure
For the gold in our hearts
Is your love's lasting treasure
Copyright © | Year Posted 2024

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

12
Woods Avatar
May 30, 2024 at 5:51 PM
Amazing. The reading, the vocal poem, was so touching and sincerely delivered. That is someone you have loved unconditionally and who has loved you the same. It is evident in every syllable and every empty space too. Greatly value this poem you've shared! Xo
Grieves Avatar
May 31, 2024 at 1:35 AM
Crystol - thank you - your words are so very encouraging as you are indeed aware this was such a personal piece; necessary and cathartic in the deepest sense. I really appreciate your sensitivity and lovely words. It means a great deal x Blessings, Christopher :))
Empress Avatar
March 24, 2024 at 1:55 PM
Gosh you really have chosen the best poem as your most fave. I really felt this poem and it made me tear up and cry. So sincere and emotive. Your words, they are evocative and so very well articulated in way that evn a stoneheart would feel the heat of emotions flowing throughout! I missed reading this I suppose? Congratulations on potd too. Well deserved! I especially loved the opening and the ending in this. Fave it is for me too
Grieves Avatar
March 24, 2024 at 3:30 PM
Dear Ink, I'm sorry to have made you cry x but you connected with the deep emotion behind the simple words. Bless you in all your own struggles. And thank you for your kind poetic heart. Cx
McBride  Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 12:56 PM
Congratulations on POTD, ??Isaiah 13:12 KJVAAE?? [12] I will make a man more precious than fine gold; even a man than the golden wedge of Ophir. Beautiful poem , love it
Grieves Avatar
February 29, 2024 at 1:00 PM
Thanks Stephan, that Isaiah quote is spot on. Thanks for sharing:)) Blessings
Romios Avatar
February 3, 2024 at 1:15 PM
A fav on your POTD, Christopher! A more than well done poem. An excellent one! It showcases your talent, and time to write,. Poetry was never neant to sound like a jingle in an ad; your addition of image and audio was most thoughtful, indeed. Plus memirs of your father. Thank you. Pangie xx
Grieves Avatar
February 3, 2024 at 3:05 PM
Well you have brightened my day, Pangie. Thank you for your generous comments and your beautiful sentiment. I appreciate it greatly :))
Pandit Avatar
February 2, 2024 at 5:13 AM
BIG congrats on POTD, Christopher. Awesome tribute you wrote to your father.
Grieves Avatar
February 2, 2024 at 7:05 AM
Thanks - I really appreciate you stopping by Vijay :))
Hind Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 8:55 PM
Congrats on POTD!
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 8:58 PM
Bless you, Paige :))
Baker Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:00 PM
Back to say, "Congratulations on your POTD honor, Christopher! Well deserved. Enjoy your special day of recognition. Bill
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:08 PM
Thanks for your terrific encouragement Bill x
Williams Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 6:18 PM
A wonderful emotive poem dedicated to your Father. Congratulations on your POTD Christopher, so well deserved. Maria
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:11 PM
Dear Maria, thank you for calling by. He was a special man, even before fatherhood, as we are discovering from old photos and letters. Bless you. Cx
Nicole Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 6:11 PM
Dear Christopher, the picture you have chosen is beautiful in every way. This thought within the quote makes my eyes misty. ' Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones ' I'm so sorry for your loss, my dear friend. Your words are tender and emotional, all at the same time. Congratulations on Poem of the Day. My best to you. Hugs, Brandy
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:14 PM
Brandy, dear poet, thank you for your kindness and lovely appreciation. There is more gratefulness and peace than sadness here. I love that you stopped by. Cx
Greenhough Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 2:08 PM
Congratulations on the POTD. A beautiful poem with a tinge of sadness. Love remembered is never forgotten.
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 2:17 PM
I agree Hilda. People come alive again in the eternity of our memories. Bless you. Cx
Kaufman Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 12:33 PM
Dear Christopher, This poem is breath takingly beautiful. I am in awe of your perfect rhymes and lovely emotive words. Congratulations on being honored for this well crafted POTD.
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:50 PM
How lovely are your words? I am blown away xx Thank you Nancy. Cx
Hind Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 12:22 PM
This is absolutely so moving, Christopher. I enjoyed reading this. May he rest in peace...
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:49 PM
Bless you Paige for your thoughtfulness. I am sure his peace is assured and thank you. Cx
Mcintosh Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 12:05 PM
Oh, I love this so. God bless you and Congrats on POTD. Love, Gina
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:46 PM
He has and continues to.. through comments like yours, thanks Gina. Cx
M  Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 11:02 AM
Just love this Christopher especially the last verse….Congratulations on POTD for such a touching poem! Debx
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:42 PM
Thank you Debx Your words warm my heart. Cx
Narain Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 9:54 AM
Nce poem. Well deserved POTD win.
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 10:02 AM
Thank you Jay :))
Buhagiar Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 8:33 AM
A well-deserved win for a POTD. Well done.
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 8:55 AM
Thank you Victor :))
Goldsmith Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:36 AM
Congratulations on your POTD win. I enjoyed reading your write. Have a blessed/wonderful day writing away....................
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:42 AM
Bless you for calling by Paula :)) Cx
Fowler Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 6:46 AM
A moving write Christopher. Congratulations on the honor of POTD! :)
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:46 AM
So nice of you to say Linda - when I read this aloud for the first time after writing, it did move me - which rarely happens - but it was a sign of something rooted deeper thank just the words. Bless you for calling by Cx
Calasibetta Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 6:44 AM
Congratulations on your POTD! So heartwarming and beautiful. Paulette
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:44 AM
I am glad you think so Paulette, as I hope (through the slight sadness of the moment) there is a tribute to a much loved and respected human close to all our hearts. Thank you for your comment - many blessings Cx
Kitchin Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 3:34 AM
Chris, a sad but sweet poem, congratulations on POTD.
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:41 AM
Thank you Tania, I do appreciate you taking time to comment :) Cx
Lane Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 3:17 AM
This could only have been written by a lovingly grateful heart. Congratulations on your potd, Chris.
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 7:40 AM
Thank you so much Lin, you are correct that there is much to be grateful for even in the sadness of passing - I have far more stories to tell that bring light and colour than the few shadowy times. Bless you for stopping by :) Cx
Rodgers Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 2:24 AM
Dear Christopher, I wanted to extend my heartfelt congratulations to you on your poem, being chosen as the Poem of the Day. What a well-deserved honor for such a touching and beautifully crafted piece of poetry. It is a testament to your talent. It’s evident that each line was carefully crafted, imbued with your unique perspective and insight into the human experience. Your poem has touched the hearts of many, including mine, and I’m grateful to have experienced its beauty. -Blessings, Daniel
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 2:36 AM
Wow, Daniel, I am truly overwhelmed. Thank you so very much :))
Edmonds  Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:45 AM
Such a beautiful poem, a treasure in tribute to the precious one you have lost Christopher. Congratulations on receiving poem of the day… Beryl
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:55 AM
Hi Beryl, lovely of you to say x people are being very kind. Sometimes a poem we write really comes from a deeper than expected place, but to get POTD is just an unexpected extra blessing. Thank you!
Andresen Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:38 AM
- A tender and lovely poem, Christopher :) - Congratulations on your p.o.t.d. :) - hugs
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:51 AM
Anne-Lise, so lovely of you to pass by x I like that you use the word 'tender' it somehow warms my spirit. Bless you and thank you :))
Schatz Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 1:12 AM
A truly heartfelt write. You beautifully capture so many emotions, both strong and tender. A wonderful POTD!
Grieves Avatar
January 31, 2024 at 2:00 AM
Thank you kindly Robert. I was not expecting this, but if I was to nominate a poem it would be this, as it means so much. Blessings dear poet :)
12
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