Papa

~ Papa ~


Dawn broke uneasy o'er damp, dreary lane
Fish markets open, the merchant a-bustle
Hawking his fresh catch to eke out a gain
Daily routine, one of stressed, ceaseless hustle
Perils of prepping each fish for display
Callouses, cuts and old scars that he'd hide
Leathery skin soaked in brine and dismay
Profits already had started to slide...

Meanwhile at home wife and children slept sound
Knowing that Papa was busy at work
Earning a living straight up, pound by pound
Back-breaking labor which he would not shirk

Papa Giovanni, a man oh-so-proud
His praises be sung in the fish market loud



                 August 15, 2020
 Strand Completely New (#25) Poetry Contest
               Sponsor: Brian Strand

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Caren Krutsinger

August 20, 2020 at 3:48 PM

Ah, this is a poetry prose worthy of any contest. I like the feelings and the integrity in this one!

Gershon Wolf

August 20, 2020 at 7:03 PM

You know what? I thank you for giving me an idea here. Maybe I'll enter one of Brian Strand's contests with this one. Thank you, Ma'am. (You get 49% of the glory I this one is a winner; I get 49%... 2% still undecided). :) gw

Indiana Shaw

August 18, 2020 at 3:44 PM

So, not your Papa then, but; so worthy of a write to the Papa spoke of, a keen observation of a good hard-working man at work, Gershon, nice one . . . : )

Gershon Wolf

August 18, 2020 at 5:08 PM

The salt of the earth are often the spice of life too! Thanks, Indiana!

Arturo Michael

August 15, 2020 at 5:33 PM

There's a lot of good men in the world...we don't hear about in the news..I like the message of the write...

Gershon Wolf

August 18, 2020 at 5:03 PM

That's right. The truly good men (and women) often fly under the radar, and good for them! Thanks, Arturo. :) gw

Kim Rodrigues

August 15, 2020 at 2:02 PM

Very nice tribute!

Gershon Wolf

August 15, 2020 at 9:45 PM

Thanks for joining this tribute, Kim! Light and Hope, Gershon

Carolyn Devonshire

August 15, 2020 at 12:23 PM

Gershon, there was a report about fishermen and cowboys having the most strenuous work. You described "Papa's" routine so well, my friend. As a reader (and fisherwoman), this gets a fave. Hugs, carolyn

Gershon Wolf

August 15, 2020 at 9:54 PM

Oh, thank you so much. FAVES are always honor for me... I wrote this one from my memories of the Fulton Street Fish Market in Chicago, which I had the privilege of seeing a few times years ago -- about 2:00 a.m. or so each time. Thanks, Carolyn

Heidi Sands

August 14, 2020 at 5:21 PM

This is so nice. Such a clear picture of a hard working man. Well done :)

Gershon Wolf

August 15, 2020 at 9:37 PM

Thank you so much, Heidi! Your comment has greatly encouraged me, as what you wrote affirms what I was trying to create with this poem. Light and Joy, my friend! :) gw