He Smiled

I met a man - 
one could hardly deem old.
His smile was warm, yet
his hands were quite cold.
I asked the gentleman: 
“Do you remember my name?”
I queried the chap: 
"Do you know why I came?"

I solemnly wondered
if this tranquil soul heard.
Again, the man beamed; 
speaking nary a word.
I harkened his heart
'bout my wares as a child -
the man calmly listened;
he comfortably smiled.

I prattled on 
'bout my debonair Dad - 
how I truly valued  
the cherished moments we shared.
Private passioned spirits 
rivaling a deity's gold.
Handel's honored messiahs
chanting secret fables untold.

I asked the quiet nobleman: 
"Can a son's tears be reposed?”
My Father simply smiled as
his maple-casket lid -

closed.

Copyright © | Year Posted 2008



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Date: 3/8/2009 12:59:00 PM
I came across "He Smiled" while looking through all the contest winners. Your poetry sure catches our hearts. This one so like the memories of my own father and my memories. Congratulations on all your wins John. I'm certain I missed sending you best wishes on many of them. And thank you so much for taking the time to comment on "Daddy Had Girls." ~J~
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Date: 1/26/2009 4:39:00 PM
Very touching and sad, beautifully conveyed, Blessings, Ron
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Date: 12/27/2008 5:52:00 PM
Nice write, Thanks for the kind comment.
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Date: 10/3/2008 1:06:00 PM
Beautiful details and the ending brings the tears. Thank you.
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Date: 9/20/2008 9:11:00 PM
John- Great ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very clever. Wonder if it was a real experience if it wasnt great imagination. Michael Torres
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Date: 9/20/2008 11:55:00 AM
Hi, Congratulations... I was touched reading your poem. It is so beautiful. - Regards, Rupavardhini
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Date: 9/19/2008 3:02:00 PM
Congratulations John, this one is still very close to my heart. Well done. Love Heidie
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Date: 9/19/2008 11:25:00 AM
A very beautiful elegy....filled with both intensity and heart-filled emotion.....congrads on your win! Love, Sara
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Date: 9/19/2008 4:50:00 AM
Congratulations John on your win in Mark's contest! So powerful and rich with an ending that still gives me chills. Most well deserved. Love, Shar
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Date: 9/19/2008 3:34:00 AM
Congrats in placing in Mark's contest John, as always, you are rich in talent and amaze me with your expression - loved the ending here...perfect, Kristin
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Date: 9/18/2008 11:44:00 PM
Congrats on your success in Mark's contest John.Rgds Brian
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Date: 9/11/2008 6:20:00 AM
Hey John. This is so very sad and solemn, I'm sure he was watching and listening from above. Extremely well written and it certainly has the reader share your grief. Hard to comment on this one, I feel more emotional and less wordy. Nicely done! God bless you and yours.... Mikki
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Date: 9/4/2008 1:07:00 PM
Hi john- I like this except for what seems like an extra why line eight. Maybe it’s just my dyslexia kicking in. - mike
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Date: 9/2/2008 7:10:00 PM
John, this was beautiful. You are continuing to treat us with your poetry. God Bless, Cile
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Date: 8/16/2008 1:30:00 PM
This one hit very close to home. Absolutely beautiful and so very well written. Hope you are OK. Love Heidie
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Date: 8/16/2008 11:08:00 AM
John this marvelous write brought tears to my eyes, I am sure that if the father were allowed to communicate once more with his son within earthly response he would then say “It is okay my son, this day I understand if you let your tears flow…" Thank you for sharing the read. May God Bless and Keep you my friend, Always, Adell
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Date: 8/15/2008 12:34:00 PM
John WOW What an ending to an interesting writing great talent! Laura :0)
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