Notes About The Poem

Written as I visited my father, whom I had rarely seen during my life. He was then put  in something called "comfort care" in a rehab center of Olympia, WA and his wife Cleofe was visiting him daily. She has always been like a saint for him! My father was in the Korean War where his schizophrenia manifested and he was never the same after he returned to my mother. His doctor (the few months before his death) gave him both a shingles shot and a flu vaccine at the same time. The next day he awoke unable to walk. It was downhill since then, for he had to lie in a bed barely able to eat and suffering with many problems, one of them a terrible infection called Cdef , which he got from his immune level being so low.

 He passed away  the first day of summer, June 21, 2019. He was 9 days short of his 89th birthday.

_________________________________________________________________________

Oh, Father of Mine

Oh father of mine - who long has withstood
trials to which I can’t even relate -
how sad you must feel –  how misunderstood.
On your deathbed you lie, filled not with hate.
Unable am I to communicate
with you very well, for thus is our fate.

Oh father of mine, long-faced much like me,
with eyes like mine too, but more tinged with blue,
any words you might say – a rarity-
I try so hard to elicit from you.
Words that would show me what I never knew -
the “you” that my mother knew. . . but years flew.

Oh father of mine, years flew to this time
where I sit by your bed, watching you die -
all questions unanswered - as I write this rhyme.
Mental illness estranged you from me. Now I
am here- but lacking emotion to cry
as mortality I’m seeing fly by.

I hope in the next life, oh, father of mine,
our feelings and thoughts at last can entwine.

For The Urban Sonnet Poetry Contest of Emile Pinet
 My father is at last at peace. He passed away  June  of 2019.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2019

Poem

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Ashley Avatar
November 2, 2025 at 8:27 AM
Dear Andrea, your poem is so poignant, as is your poet's note. I feel the emotional struggle and heartache and adore the tenderness of your couplet. A soulful piece, a haunting expression of grief. Congratulations for your success in Mark's contest. Warmest wishes.. ~Susan
Dietrich Avatar
November 9, 2025 at 10:39 AM
Thanks, Susan
Kerr Avatar
October 23, 2025 at 11:52 AM
Andrea, Congratulations on your success with this intensely moving, sincere, heartfelt expression of genuine emotion. A monumental work. Howard
Dietrich Avatar
November 9, 2025 at 10:39 AM
A belated thanks here
Jones Avatar
October 23, 2025 at 2:57 AM
Oh Andrea your poem pulls at my heart! So tender and so much love within your heart pours for us to read! Congratulations on your win! I think your poem is like an anthem for many with such uniquely human experiences of a family member battling illness. I know he smiles in spirit dear heart.
Dietrich Avatar
November 9, 2025 at 10:38 AM
Seeing remarks on this poem of mine. Thanks for what you said
Toney Avatar
October 22, 2025 at 11:47 AM
Andrea, what a tender tribute to the memory of your father. I look forward to the same as you, to that future, grand reunion with my father when “our feelings and thoughts at last can entwine.” A Fav poem for me. Congratulations on your top 10 win on Mile 22 of my 2025 Poetry Marathon Contest. Keep your running shoes on, because Mile 23 has already started. Only 4 more miles to go before the Qualifiers’ Final Placement contest!
Dietrich Avatar
October 22, 2025 at 2:26 PM
thanks so much, Mark. I am glad this one found favor with you and was enough for a win.
Michael Avatar
June 23, 2019 at 1:18 PM
Beautiful...You should read it...i'm sure he would like it...My Father died 3 years ago... My condolences to you and yours...
Gupta Avatar
June 23, 2019 at 1:00 AM
Touchingly beautiful ... fervent tribute ... Best wishes, Andrea ...
Sergi Avatar
May 8, 2019 at 5:42 PM
A sad but beautiful poetic tribute. Please check your soup mail.
Mchattie Avatar
May 8, 2019 at 3:30 PM
The bond between a father and daughter can be a magical thing. Before my Mother passed, her greatest fear had always to be a burden to her children. She was never a burden but a wonderful responsibility that we all gloriously shared. Stay strong.
Vangaveti Avatar
May 8, 2019 at 7:45 AM
My heart has shed tears for every line that my eyes read. The last days of a war hero, the poor medical system, the unspoken emotions and the frozen tears... !!!!
Dietrich Avatar
May 8, 2019 at 11:25 AM
your comment shows me how perceptive you are! Thank you
May Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 4:58 PM
Such a sad write for a war hero who served with honor...Hugs
Beilschmidt Sr. Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 4:12 PM
Sorry to hear about your father Andrea. I really beautiful tribute.
Canerdy Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 3:15 PM
Oh, my goodness. This is so beautiful and heart-wrenching, Andrea! Janice
Pederson Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 3:05 PM
such a beautiful and profound tribute to your dad whom I know hears you are you write to him. such a longing for his ears which will be forever open to your wonderful talent to let him know you love him. bless both
Kiser Avatar
May 7, 2019 at 6:48 AM
A sad but, well-penned sonnet that I am sure he would appreciate. Love and light wishes to you and your family.
Krutsinger Avatar
May 6, 2019 at 5:05 PM
Andrea, let me say that although you did not mean too, if you substitute blue eyes for hazel eyes, you have written this for me and my father also, as it is perfect.
Gondolf Avatar
May 6, 2019 at 2:26 PM
Andrea, this is such a beautiful and touching tribute to your dad, it left my eyes a bit misty. Thank you for sharing this. John
Rose  Avatar
May 6, 2019 at 12:57 PM
Your sharing here is so deeply touching. Dam wars, they should never have been. Its unhumane, and everyone pays the price for it. as for vaccines, here too they are giving shingle and flu to everyone, hubby is wondering if he should take it. I'm not sure these vaccines, are always safe. Thanks for sharing
Wood Avatar
May 6, 2019 at 8:38 AM
This is a moving tribute to you Father Andrea. I went through a similar experience last summer with my father. My thoughts and prayers go out to you and your family at this tender time. Dean
Pandit Avatar
May 6, 2019 at 8:13 AM
So loving and tender..so artfully written in this difficult form...I hope your father reads your tribute of gratitude. A winner for me, Andrea.
Romios Avatar
May 6, 2019 at 2:37 AM
Andrea~ your Dad has na Outstanding daughter. Your Dad as is, no kidding is still the same Dad when well, If you can get that one, it's a miracle, I did with my Mom. And I stooped weeping over the past. Sounds nuts to many, it is not. I am sorry to know this, But, he is still here, as he is,better than. Underround, Panagiota am with you on the vaccines 125%
Rodrigues Avatar
May 5, 2019 at 9:47 PM
A touching poem. To never know your Dad at his best but to honor him yet. The hope that one day you can meet the man you never met. <3 Kim
Ashley Avatar
May 5, 2019 at 5:58 PM
Andrea, your poem strummed my heartstrings. I am so moved by your sonnet’s melancholy and verses of poignant beauty. Your tender personal note was truly appreciated, as well. Your poetic expression is exquisite as always. Warmest wishes for you and your father. ~Susan
Cunningham Avatar
May 5, 2019 at 5:06 PM
So sorry to hear that he is deteriorating Andrea I'm happy that you got to see him. Your sonnet is a beautiful tribute to him. Tom
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace