My Son My Friend

Mourn not my Son... your Father's dead
And there's nothing to be done.
Do not mount the battlements in my defense
As the race was fairly won.

The kitchen table has not been set...
My chair lies stark and bare.
No one leans against the window sill
To enjoy the good night air.

The wooded trails lie hushed and quiet
Where my thoughts no longer stray.
The geese who consumed my crusted bread
Grow more peckish by the day.

And excuse the Baker if he looks confused
When I am not there to buy his rolls.
And commit to the Ferryman two copper coins
As we all must pay his toll.

And Nature will seem modestly indifferent
As the Sun will rise again.
But remember well this road we've traveled
Where I called you Son and Friend.

Gird yourself against the slings and arrows
And receive my falling torch of deeds undone.
But before you walk the hallowed ground
Be sure to overindulge a little fun.

I weep for those who have not journeyed
Upon the wondrous track to mark our gain.
But with you my Son...who really knows?
We may yet... get to do it all again.

Mortality is lovingly given by the Grace of God
And to its betterment all should strive.
But alas our lives have one primal flaw...
No one here... gets out alive.

With this my spirit soars to celestial heights
So please accept this well-earned death.
And as Son and Friend... we will meet again.
When you partake your final breath.

And be not shy... about my demise
That allows me to walk on Heaven's path.
As only a fool like me would keep a toaster...
In the same room a person takes a bath.

                    The End
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Theraven Avatar
May 17, 2021 at 7:20 AM
David, This poem has such deep-seated meaning to me. The title 'My Son My Friend' jumped off the page. Especially as a parent and father of boomerang kids. And the missing feeder, the geese going hungry without daily bread is personal to me. The light-hearted ending was just right and perfectly placed. Well done. -Richard
Carmack Avatar
May 9, 2021 at 7:55 AM
This style reminds me of Longfellow. This was an enjoyable read and loved the ending.
Mchattie Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 4:46 PM
I do like Longfellow. For some reason I could easily understand his writing. His poetry had meaning but not unduly layered as others. Have a great day.
Canerdy Avatar
May 7, 2021 at 6:52 AM
David, this is a superb monologue, a moving blend of vivid literal and figurative language. Janice
Mchattie Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 4:45 PM
My Son easily inspires me. He is great. Stay well my friend.
Horsman Avatar
May 6, 2021 at 10:50 PM
Truly an uplifting poem, David, don't know too much about the end though, just be careful, with poetry as good as this we want you around somewhat longer yet... to my favourites. Harry
Mchattie Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 4:43 PM
Thanks harry. I'll be careful but I'm not the smartest tool in the shed so no promises. Have a good one my friend.
Kavanagh  Avatar
May 6, 2021 at 2:48 PM
How good is this poem, written in a very matter of fact resigned way, yet I feel deeply touched by it, the helplessness is lighthearted yet incredibly profound, very difficult to achieve yet you managed it seamlessly, with an ending to die for, pun intended, cheers David
Mchattie Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 4:42 PM
Thanks David. High praise indeed. I tried to write a serious ending but it seemed to drag the poem down. Have a great day.
Cunningham Avatar
May 6, 2021 at 7:48 AM
Brilliant David, you had me hooked, then the punchline, I hope it gets POTD. Tom
Mchattie Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 4:40 PM
I wondered whether the punch line worked or not. I thought about it for a few days on whether to leave it in or not? I'm happy with it. Stay well my friend.
Turner Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 7:19 PM
Top shelf penning, David. The closing couplet gives it that lighthearted humor at the end, which always makes for a memorable poem. Spill ink!
Mchattie Avatar
May 10, 2021 at 4:38 PM
I find it very hard to stay serious for very long. I have numerous unfinished poems where I try to be serious but for me... it is difficult. Have a great day.
Laurie Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 5:23 PM
G'day David ... a great poem indeed. if only we all could live a fulfilled life - thank you David - Lindsay
Mchattie Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 7:09 PM
Every person according to their gifts as 'Spock' would say. Have a great day.
Dietrich Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 1:54 PM
oh my gosh, the ending. What a way to GO OUT. This is really good writing. gotta fave it.
Mchattie Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 7:08 PM
Thanks. It was fun to write. When I do pass... it will be because of something stupid I've done. I'm sure of that. Have a great day.
Gauthier Avatar
May 4, 2021 at 9:06 PM
Wow ~ I just had to FAVE this awesome poem. And it's just like you to finish on a high note ! Bravo ~
Mchattie Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 7:05 PM
Thank you. High praise indeed. Have a great day.
Romios Avatar
May 4, 2021 at 7:24 PM
In my eyes, this is moving and beautiful. Making it a Fav! You have a flair for beauty in life, that I, As a Poet, love to read. Not about flowers but about human relationships. EE Cummings to me, had a similar magic.
Mchattie Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 7:04 PM
Thanks Panagiota. I've been reading some EE Cummings and I find it a bit of a slog. He is way too smart for me. His head is in a different universe. Have a great day my friend.
Wolf Avatar
May 4, 2021 at 6:33 PM
That's one way to 'discover electricity,' lol. Thanks for the great entertainment, my friend! Superlative narrative. Kudos, gw
Mchattie Avatar
May 5, 2021 at 7:02 PM
There are worse ways to go I guess. Have a great day. Stay frosty.
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