David Crandall Poet Elegy

Notes About The Poem

7/14/2024 for E Form - Elegy Poetry Contest sponsored by Constance La France

Thanks Dad

I appreciate, more than grieve, you.
If I have a regret,
it's that I didn't convey my appreciation
when you were here.

We had our disagreements,
on different sides of a generational divide,
but there were so many more good times than bad.

You were a friendly face in a war zone,
calm, kind, funny - an easy man to like.
By example, you showed me how to laugh at trouble,
how to fix a bike,
how to make a plan, and
slowly and methodically,
execute it...and
to, literally and figuratively,
whistle while you work.
You said, "you're alright -
did anyone ever tell you that?"

When you came home from work,
You asked, "how's it going?"
"I don't know", I answered.
I didn't know how to talk to you.
"What don't you know?" you asked.
"I don't know", I answered.
"You don't know what you don't know?", you laughed.
We had that conversation every night.

Being around you was fun,
raking leaves,
mowing the lawn,
picking up vacuum tubes for the TV.

The last time I saw you,
I didn't feel free to speak.
I didn't understand
Your hand squeeze language.

A happy man,
you lived to ninety.
If I have a regret,
it's that I didn't convey my appreciation
when you were here.

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Constance La France August 7, 2024 at 1:41 PM David, congratulations on your win in my contest with this wonderful and emotional elegy poem, I liked it a lot, well done, Constance David Crandall August 7, 2024 at 5:26 PM Thanks Constance. I always enjoy writing about my dad.

Christuraj Alex July 23, 2024 at 6:55 PM "I appreciate, more than grieve, you. If I have a regret, it's that I didn't convey my appreciation when you were here" - A uniquely begun and ended elegy. Congratulations! David Crandall July 23, 2024 at 8:29 PM Thanks Christuraj!

Hiba Junaid July 23, 2024 at 4:49 AM parents are such a constant in our lives that we sometimes forget to convey our appreciation. it doesn't mean that we took them for granted though (not forever, at least) and i can feel it in the words written here. i hope you can find your dad in heaven, David. David Crandall July 23, 2024 at 8:11 AM Thankful Hiba - true - I appreciate your comments

Hilda Greenhough July 15, 2024 at 10:19 AM It is sad when time runs out. I felt your love for your Dad in this poem. Your childhood had wide horizons. You were licky. David Crandall July 15, 2024 at 11:02 AM Yes, there was much to be thankful for!