Me and My Old Man

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  • Death

    Poem Commentary

    This is dedicated to the memory of my dad...

    Me and My Old Man


    I remember my old man and what he meant to me,
    It seemed like he was always there,
    He died at 63.

    I see his face in the mirror, each time I look at me.
    The image of a long lost friend,
    I miss terribly.

    Ever since I could talk I can picture him.
    He was there when I first walked,
    With a great big grin.

    He taught me how to ride a bike, ran right by my side,
    Provided all the things I liked,
    And wisdom to decide.

    He taught me baseball, was my coach, my mentor and my guide,
    Was the one that cheered me most,
    With confidence and pride.

    He presented life's uncertainties, taught me right from wrong,
    We talked about the birds and bees,
    Shared love of sport and song.

    He helped me enjoy school work, the value of good grades,
    He was there despite his work,
    His long and busy days.

    He laughed when I was happy, cried when I was sad,
    Was always there to comfort me,
    In good times and in bad.

    The day I finished high school, his eyes welled up with tears,
    When I got my college degree,
    It settled hopes and fears.

    The day I met my wife to be and brought her home to him,
    I could see his pride in me,
    His warm, approving grin.

    The day I walked down the isle I was 33,
    I remember his big smile,
    And what it meant to me.

    When my first son arrived my dad turned 59.
    Despite his heart, he survived,
    A grandson one more time.

    The day my dad passed away it was morning, around 8:00.
    I received a call that day,
    In October '98.

    I went to be by his side but he had passed and gone.
    I tried so hard not to cry,
    Keep my strong face on.

    Lying there with a distant stare and sober peace of mind.
    I couldn't help but compare,
    My dad's past life to mine.

    In his time my old man had very few faults to find.
    The day he died my new clock began,
    I was 39.



    Copyright © April 2010
    Kevin Mooney

     

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    mdpoetgirl commented on Me and My Old Man

    05-21-2010

    Awww... such a sweet and endearing poem which really does your dad proud. Sounds like he was a GREAT dad. You're very blessed and fortunate to have a great dad in these days and times. Thanks for sharing ;-)

    Charlie23 commented on Me and My Old Man

    05-04-2010

    I enjoyed this poem a great deal! Brought back memories of my own father.

    ginga commented on Me and My Old Man

    05-03-2010

    Kevin, This poem is a realization to me that you yourself have the same integrity as this great man, your Dad, that you speak of here.Every stanza leads the reader one step further into his life and the moments her shared with his son as a proud and guiding father. I wish more Dads were as grand as this. ginga

    simoneaugustus commented on Me and My Old Man

    05-02-2010

    'the day he died my new clock began...' So fitting. Everything in my life seems to be compartmentalized into 'With Dad' and 'After.' I am sorry for your loss but I know he would be moved by this touching tribute. What a fine way to honor the life of someone loved so deeply.

    alb29oclfl commented on Me and My Old Man

    05-01-2010

    a very fitting tribute to your Father, and to all of our Fathers through the memories you have evoked

    If I feel physically as if the top of my head were taken off, I know that is poetry.

    Emily Dickinson (1830-1886) American poet.

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