Papa Was~~~~~

I hold three magic stones in my hand, rolling them over-and-over-and over, leaving 
this 
reality behind -  far behind, as I fly  back-ward through time.

Suddenly! We are together; I have dreamed of this moment for so long; I am filled 
with so 
much happiness; it falls from my eyes in tears you kiss from my cheeks as we 
embrace.

I am a child again! It is Christmas Eve! Carols, and scents of cinnamon, and pine, fill 
the 
air, as we decorate the tree; you place an angel on the top, and say she looks just 
like me. 
Snowflakes dance outside the frosted window-panes. White tapers melt into dreams 
and 
drip onto the mantle as they flicker and glow in the magic of this night. The Yule-tide 
logs 
lying in the hearth, slowly turn to embers - like the three glowing stones, I hold In 
my hand, 
that I roll, over-and-over-and-over again~~~~~

Now! I count sixteen candles on my birthday cake, as you waltz me around the 
room. 
Tonight - I am a princess. I roll the stones again~~~~~ Your  handsome face beams 
with 
pride as I stand before you, in cap and gown - scroll in hand, on this -  my 
graduation 
day. I roll the stones again~~~~~

Now! You (tall and handsome) in black tuxedo, me, in jewelled gown of satin white, 
walk 
(arm-in-arm), down the isle, on this -  my wedding day. I roll the stones again~~~~~
Tears of joy - swim in your ebony eyes as you reach out to hold a new-born babe 
(my 
son), who looks just like you. How can this be? How is this possible? You were never 
there.
I roll the stones again~~~~~

Then I see them  -  Three little WORDS engraved in the three stones - my legacy -  
that 
brings you back to me after all these years. Three stones - I roll over and over and 
over 
again, until they fall into place and say, “I LOVE YOU.”  And, in that moment, all 
those lonely 
childhood  years, SIMPLY DISSAPPEAR~~~~~~~~~~ 
 
Author's Note: This story is totally fictional and was written for Constance's contest 
and 
Marvin Gaye.

Written:  November 7th, 2009
2nd place in Constance La France's contest ' A Magical Journey'
Copyright © | Year Posted 2009

Poem

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12
Dietrich Avatar
January 25, 2010 at 9:24 AM
So how did you rate in this one, Lainie. It's super good!! OH, I see you took second place! congratulations. What a magical journey indeed!
Fraser Avatar
November 25, 2009 at 10:58 AM
Congratulations Elaine on your win in Constance's excellent contest >> James,x
Culverhouse Avatar
November 23, 2009 at 4:36 PM
beautiful poem, congrats on second place, sounds like a winner to me!!
Johnson Avatar
November 23, 2009 at 11:36 AM
Well you really fired up my imagingation. I thought it was the story of your life. Congratulations for your win, well deserved./ Love, Joyce
Richards Avatar
November 23, 2009 at 7:35 AM
This touching poem was surely a winner, and I'm so glad to have another chance to read this beauty! Congratulations, Elaine! ~ Carrie
Sweetheart Avatar
November 22, 2009 at 9:00 PM
Lainie, I knew it the first time I read it.. winning poem and congrats on your 2nd place win in the contest... well deserved.. luv.. Linda-Marie, P.E.P.S. "Sweetheart"
Arteaga Avatar
November 22, 2009 at 8:40 PM
congratulations on this lovely write.
Nutter Avatar
November 19, 2009 at 9:57 AM
Excellent contest entry. Enjoyed the read. A. W. Nutter www.freewebs.com/abcedit
P Avatar
November 18, 2009 at 2:34 AM
True Words' That's Why'
Golden Avatar
November 16, 2009 at 2:52 AM
Fantastic story...sure to be a winner, Lainie! Hugs, Donna. P.S. Welcome back!
Austin Avatar
November 12, 2009 at 9:23 AM
Hey, Elaine, your love of Christmas comes out in this one....it can't be helped. Luck in the contest. Love, daver
Strand Avatar
November 12, 2009 at 12:02 AM
Best wishes with this one Elaine.Rgds Brian & thanks for your kind words& welcome comments
La France Avatar
November 9, 2009 at 6:26 PM
Thank you so much for supporting my contest.
Goff Avatar
November 9, 2009 at 5:38 PM
Elaine, I was entranced, line by line with this amazing poem! THANKS! jimbo
Mason Avatar
November 9, 2009 at 9:28 AM
Poignant write here, Elaine. I never knew my father so you are fortunate indeed to have all the memories! And while sometimes the darkness does overwhelm me, folks like you with your wonderful comments and interest in my writing just bring the light again ... smile ... thanks for being here, Elaine and good luck in the contest!!
Strand Avatar
November 9, 2009 at 12:00 AM
Best wishes with this one Elaine.Rgds Brian & thanks for your welcome comments
Guzzi Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 3:42 PM
Marvelous dreaming Laine! just sweet!Thanks for reading my 3 parter!!!Light & Love
Sheart Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 1:52 PM
Though this story is fictional,my heart is full as I sit here thinking of my own father who I still miss very much. Thanks for sparking memories. It takes talent to write like this beautiful heart Laine! Thanks for sharing,smile. This looks like a winner to me. Love Light Patty
Freeman Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 1:25 PM
You certainly have a vivid imagination Elaine. Very creative, beautifully put together, Thanks so much for your most gracious comment today, Sincerely, Love, Moses
 Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 1:13 PM
Love the last stanza--a reminder there is always hope. The imagery makes this story come alive. Keep those stones rolling with your creative words. Thank you for sharing your talent with us and for your kind comments. Blessings to you. Karen
Fraser Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 9:21 AM
Delightful read Elaine, thank you for sharing >> James
Smith-Johnsen Avatar
November 8, 2009 at 4:35 AM
Very nice, Elaine. It is a wonderful poem filled with delightful memories. Thank you for sharing. Lovingly, Dane Ann Soupmail
Owens Avatar
November 7, 2009 at 3:36 PM
Very nice poem...love it and enjoyed reading...Marty
Sweetheart Avatar
November 7, 2009 at 3:06 PM
U had me so caught up in the moment Lainie its hard to believe its not true.. good luck in Constance's contest.. wonderful free verse ... imaginative and beautifully written... I felt I was in this scene with u as my Dad was so very dear to me.. gone now.. but love is the bond between us always... thankxxx for sharing... Linda-Marie, P.E.P.S. "Sweetheart"
Richards Avatar
November 7, 2009 at 3:00 PM
Such a moving piece, Elaine....the tenderness, and outpouring of love and emotion just oozes from this lovely piece. Oh, I too have dreamed of such a thing, if only for a day....I would love to roll those stones and have my mother and father see their grandchildren...if only... ~ Love, Carrie
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