When I was young, occasionally, My Dad would read the news,
‘Twas mostly for the headlines, but sometimes to just amuse,
He’d tell us of disasters far away from prairie home,
Describing things that made Mom gasp, (made me vow ne’er to roam),
At other times, the things he read were wonderful and bright,
Ironically, convinced me what I wanted was to write,
At times, a po-em, he’d recite, all sober (or carefree),
I came to find a lot he ‘read’ came from his memory,
Once he said Sylvester Forrest passed away, t’was true,
Mom said, “Oh that’s sad, who’s he?” Said Dad, “I’ve naught a clue.”
The best, though, were the stories that got more and more absurd,
Until the punch line—WHAT?—he’d dreamed up each and every word!
He didn’t always have the time, cause chores and work would call,
But if he pulled the paper out, we knew we’d have a ball!
It’s many years since I heard Daddy reading out the news,
A choice ‘tween him and sources now? I know who I would choose,
Those mornings when he’d take a break from riding through the herds,
And duck his head behind those crisp new sheets of printed words?
They were the best in memory. And I’d not make a fuss
If just once more, I’d get to hear Dad ‘read the news’ to us!
Cause Mondays do get knocked a lot,
With POETRY, we all besought,
To try to make the week begin
With pleasant thoughts,
Perhaps a grin?
Have crafted poems for you to see,
And now you’ve read what we have wrought…
Did we help?
Or did we not?
Oh, What a totally wonderful thing to do. Your dad was a truly remarkable man. Thanks for a broad smile.
ReplyDeleteAnd thank you, Charlotte! He was wonderful!
DeleteThat's such a good poem, and a wonderful gift from your Dad. I'm afraid the 4-line poem I struggled with this week is unprintable. Suffice to say it dwells on 'usefulness' and 'cat litter'! Better luck next week, I hope.
ReplyDeleteHmmm...usefulness and cat litter. Interesting choices... ;) See you next week!
DeleteI believe I know who I would choose also! I can picture your memory perfectly.
ReplyDeleteI wish you were there, Rena. I think we would have made marvellous sisters!
DeleteYour father sounds so nice and a man of many talents!
ReplyDeleteThank you, Laurie! He sure made life interesting!
DeleteYou grew up in the best family, didn't you? My Dad would sometimes read a column or two out of the newspaper and I have fond memories of that. It's wonderful to have good childhood memories.
ReplyDeleteThey are the building blocks upon which we form our lives, aren't they, Alana?!
DeleteWhat great fun, to have your dad "read" the news that way. He was remarkable.
ReplyDeleteHe made life fun, Mimi!
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