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

Poem

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Meyer Avatar
March 8, 2009 at 12:59 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~
Bingham Avatar
January 26, 2009 at 4:39 PM
Very touching and sad, beautifully conveyed, Blessings, Ron
Washington Avatar
December 27, 2008 at 5:52 PM
Nice write, Thanks for the kind comment.
Wood Avatar
October 3, 2008 at 1:06 PM
Beautiful details and the ending brings the tears. Thank you.
Torres Avatar
September 20, 2008 at 9:11 PM
John- Great ending!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Very clever. Wonder if it was a real experience if it wasnt great imagination. Michael Torres
B Raju Avatar
September 20, 2008 at 11:55 AM
Hi, Congratulations... I was touched reading your poem. It is so beautiful. - Regards, Rupavardhini
Buys Avatar
September 19, 2008 at 3:02 PM
Congratulations John, this one is still very close to my heart. Well done. Love Heidie
Lokken Avatar
September 19, 2008 at 11:25 AM
A very beautiful elegy....filled with both intensity and heart-filled emotion.....congrads on your win! Love, Sara
Winter Avatar
September 19, 2008 at 4:50 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
Reynolds Avatar
September 19, 2008 at 3:34 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
Strand Avatar
September 18, 2008 at 11:44 PM
Congrats on your success in Mark's contest John.Rgds Brian
Mac Donald Avatar
September 11, 2008 at 6:20 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
Bross Avatar
September 4, 2008 at 1:07 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
Beer Avatar
September 2, 2008 at 7:10 PM
John, this was beautiful. You are continuing to treat us with your poetry. God Bless, Cile
Buys Avatar
August 16, 2008 at 1:30 PM
This one hit very close to home. Absolutely beautiful and so very well written. Hope you are OK. Love Heidie
Foster Avatar
August 16, 2008 at 11:08 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
Mckenzie Avatar
August 15, 2008 at 12:34 PM
John WOW What an ending to an interesting writing great talent! Laura :0)
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