My Father's Pen

My Father’s Pen

Drizzle turning sleet.
Window pane cold
as he rests his cheek against it.
Coke fire,
astringent bitter warmth filling the room.
 
On the table
amber in cut glass, no ice,
next to the tablet.
 
An old pen
cradled in the arthritic hand.
From long ago; given
him by his father before him,
to cradle, to write.
 
Now his to make words,
to paint letter pictures,
to fashion the stories.
 
The words swirl and loop,
playing endlessly.
 
Atonal but rich,
they form a trellis
upon which to paint life.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2020

Poem

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A'Hern Avatar
February 16, 2022 at 2:39 PM
David, thank you for sharing your poem, I have just found it in amongst the poetry on the site. So many poets and poetry that amazes. You mange to create a real image of the characters within your poems. Now that your poems have been found, I will read on.
Holmes Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 12:21 PM
John - thank you for the very kind comments, very much appreciated. David
Inman Avatar
February 16, 2022 at 12:28 PM
David, a lovely, touching write.
Holmes Avatar
February 28, 2022 at 12:20 PM
James, thank you! David
Gauthier Avatar
February 6, 2021 at 7:43 PM
So glad to find this lovely poem published in the 2020 PS Anthology, David ~
Romios Avatar
September 9, 2020 at 1:02 PM
Congratulations on a well crafted poem... Merci, Panagiota xx
Mishra Avatar
July 28, 2020 at 2:21 AM
That's a captivating tale of courage and creativity David. Congratulations on your win :) Blessings!
Holmes Avatar
July 31, 2020 at 7:50 AM
Aditi - thank you, I appreciate your comment and congratulations, David
Neumann Avatar
July 27, 2020 at 3:10 AM
Beautiful ...
Holmes Avatar
July 31, 2020 at 7:50 AM
Kai - thank you for your comment. David
Kauffman Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 8:29 PM
This story is so well penned, David. It flows and the images are crisp and the last line summarizes the poem beautifully! Congratulations on your first place win!
Holmes Avatar
July 31, 2020 at 7:49 AM
Sam - thank you for your congratulations, and for taking the time to comment on my poem. David
Goldsmith Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 9:43 AM
Congratulations on your win. I enjoyed reading this one. A beautiful write. Enjoy your win and day.........
Holmes Avatar
July 31, 2020 at 7:47 AM
Paula, thank you so much for your comments - and so glad you enjoyed reading "My Father's Pen" David
Lawless Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 4:11 AM
A well deserved top spot David. a wonderfully painted word picture.
Holmes Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 12:36 PM
John,thank you for the congratulations, I still have and use my father's fountain pen, a very special keepsake David
Agustin Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 9:37 PM
Wow! Congrats! Thanks for sharing this; I'm delighted especially with the concluding lines: "Atonal but rich, they form a trellis upon which to paint life." God bless you.
Holmes Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 12:35 PM
Beata - thank you so much for your congratulations and wonderful comments. Bless you as well David
Pigeon Tart Avatar
July 23, 2020 at 2:19 PM
Gorgeous penning, a fave for me David. Congratulations on your well deserved to win! ~Maureen
Holmes Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 12:34 PM
Maureen - thank you so much for your comments and for the congratulations. Being a part of Poetry Soup has been such a wonderful experience, David
Radice Avatar
July 9, 2020 at 2:59 PM
Lovely poem. Your work deserves much more recognition than it receives on here.
Radice Avatar
July 24, 2020 at 5:20 AM
Your poem got the recognition it deserved in Craig's excellent contest. Congratulations David.
Holmes Avatar
July 10, 2020 at 11:50 AM
Gary - WOW, thank you for such a wonderful comment - it is really appreciated. I look forward to reading some of your work over the weekend, David
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