My Old Friend the Pocket Knife

My old friend, my "Uncle Henry" knife, has been with me most of my days.  No matter what, through thick and thin, I have had him in my pocket for sixty-four years.  I received my first knife the same day I received my first wallet.  I lost the wallet the same day I received it.  It was a sad ending for a nice birthday, October 5, 1948. 

elated
the young man soars --
milestone

Yes, just as one of those rides turned upside down my wallet fell, inside was change from a ten dollar bill.  A bitter lesson, but one well learned.  The gift from my dad --money I had saved.  I also lost my newly gained stature ...the grown-up I now thought I was.  Reaching into my front pocket I gained reassurance that at least the knife was still there.  It was, and since then, I have had one with me everywhere except where they are not allowed.

my knife 
with me always --
security blanket

Oh it’s only used for minor things, like picking out a splinter or briar.  I also use it opening letters.  You know- -things like that.  But strange as it sounds, when I don’t have it on me I no longer feel whole, like something is missing.  I have developed a strange attachment to it.  More than an attachment it is a feeling of kinship.   I have had many in my lifetime.  Some I lost the day they came out of the box.  But, no matter how many, each one is still my one and only knife, my Uncle Henry.   And for some reason, I feel, I have never had but one--  the one I have now.


note: This is modern haiku.  It is very subjective to my feelings now of the emotions I had then.  It may be factual or not but represents my remembrance of the event and the value I now place on it.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2013

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Kendrick Avatar
February 10, 2013 at 2:16 PM
Congrats on your win in the contest..Sara
Gorelick Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 2:49 PM
Takes me back, my brother had a knife that he was never without. Enjoyed your poem. congrats. BG
Squyres Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 11:55 AM
Congrats on your win in the contest. This storyline brought a pleasant memory to me. My husband always carried his as well. I had to take it out of the chest I had it stored, and memories soared...bittersweet. Excellent story telling and I like your haiku. Thanks for sharing this wonderful read.
Tams The Golden Girl Avatar
February 6, 2013 at 4:01 AM
Big congrats Charles xx
Arowolo Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 11:16 PM
Excellent write,nice presentation.Congrats on your win in this interesting contest. Ride on pal.
Guzzi Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 7:02 PM
I love hearing tales of your youth you should do one of how you and Carolyn fell in love for the Spring one? I am so pleased you entered. Congrad's Light & Love
Lamoureux Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 5:02 PM
This is excellent, I think I will start carrying one myself. Congrats on win!
Guzzi Avatar
February 5, 2013 at 3:00 PM
Might I suggest bring the WHOLE write into the present tense? It will make it even more immediate and involving for the reader and mesh better with the haiku concept. [even though the haiku MOMENT is in the past we reveal it as if we were there in the MOMENT] Light & Love
Devonshire Avatar
January 29, 2013 at 12:22 PM
Charles, not long ago someone gave me a pocket knife that had all sorts of attachments. I doubt I will ever use it, but it sounds like yours was precious for sentimental value as well as its utilitarian value. I can only stay on the computer a short time, but it is nice to see your words again. Beautifully written! Love, Carolyn
Horsman Avatar
January 28, 2013 at 3:50 AM
Charles this comment is on your poetic skills, and that indeed will never be questioned,, these are excellent!!!!!!
Henderson Avatar
January 28, 2013 at 12:47 AM
Su thanks for catching my typos. With a singular subject I almost always follow with a singular descriptor/comparitor. Have been back into this small piece many times for corrections. Don't know why. Thanks again.
Smith Avatar
January 27, 2013 at 5:41 PM
I love this. I feel the same way about my wife and I take her everywhere I go except where wives aren't allowed.
Sivey Avatar
January 26, 2013 at 9:21 PM
This is a tremendous write my friend! I am amazed at your love for this knife is and the connection you had with it. I understand that! It's just like a wallet is to me! I have to have my wallet at all times, it's just a part of me! I really loved reading this delightful piece this evening! What an enlightening poem, Great Work!!
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