The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide

Twenty-by-Twenty Foot Yard

Sitting on a porch between two flags
I watch a man ride by on a bike,
a box of magic tied to his back.
Should I stop and ask him about it, Dad?
Should I ask God how you are getting along
in heaven without a bicycle? Without me?

Last night I forgot how it was --
the shape of your face, the slant of your nose,
the way you would laugh in the back
of your throat.  You had laughed as you agreed
that my observation of rug makers, or scrub jays,
or magic trick artists was from a different
perspective that yours, one you had not
thought of before.

But now, I cannot recall what your perspective
was, as I balance grief and sanity in my old age.
I've forgotten so much since your absence,
so much of what we shared our many years.
But one thing I do recall, as I was only eight.
You said that you believed in a parallel 
universe and asked if I could believe it, too.

The sun was warm on my shoulders 
as we stood in our small dirt yard.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2026

Poem

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Doute  Avatar
July 5, 2026 at 8:04 AM
I'm sorry about the first one being blank, I'm a newbie. I absolutely love this poem, I miss my Dad a lot, and you brought him back to me for a few seconds. Thank you for the poem
Harp Avatar
July 5, 2026 at 11:47 AM
I'm happy for you that my poem brought back some memories. Thank you for appreciating this poem.
Doute  Avatar
July 5, 2026 at 8:00 AM
DiMino Avatar
June 24, 2026 at 6:26 AM
Brilliant, wonderful writing. A sensitive tearjerker. I was a rotten, confused, ungrateful kid...this poem reminds of how it could have been, the relationship, the chance for blessed opportunity I squandered. You get a FAV!
Harp Avatar
July 5, 2026 at 11:45 AM
Thank you Joe, I'm so pleased that you appreciate my poem.
Xetaw  Avatar
June 23, 2026 at 4:55 AM
Oh wow. I got teary reading this. And again asked myself 'Who are we?' 'Why are we here?' 'What is our purpose? ' This hit the spot. More than I expected to be hit today. I have take a break and meditate on your piece and life and existence. Good job. Brilliant.
Harp Avatar
June 23, 2026 at 6:28 AM
Dear Dufflite, I'm so glad you appreciate my poem. My dad has been gone for 30 years, and I wanted to be able to remember him without the use of photos, just in my mind ... like the ancients used to do, without photos. Moon Harp
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The Whiskey Taster’s Flavor Guide
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace