Here are two poems. The first was written about my stepfather while the second was written about my father. The second one is was started me on concentrating on poetry.
A Face Formed From His Tears
He sat there weeping, and slowly it formed.
I could only see his face as it finally forged.
He just heard the news of his friend’s death,
And didn’t know just what to do.
His breath turned shallow upon the news.
Why him? He was too young to now be gone.
His head hit his knee as his eyes shined with red.
Only a few months separated them.
Now death would surely hunt him.
He was a good man, so why did Death come?
He had a family; how could Death be so dumb?
Death is so stupid; doesn’t it know the pain it caused?
Why did it cause the life to wane?
Does it not see the love that is still there?
Bring him back, go fetch him now. To your lair go,
And with him come back. Only then will I listen to you more.
Heed my call.
Why?
I simply want the face I knew and loved,
Not the pained one, mourning for his beloved.
Father
Letting you go is hard to do.
I’ve known you so long. Can I give you up?
I don’t know. You mean so much to me.
Inside, I feel pain, sharp pain;
Hurt cries out, but only on the inside.
I want you here to stay with me.
Why does it have to hurt?
It’s been said, “Parting is such sweet sorrow.”
But no, no I say. Parting is just plain sorrow.
Many diff’rent songs come to mind as I see you ready to leave.
I must live my life, you must live your life.
Why though? I’ve had you all my life.
How can I live without you here?
You must go; I know that.
It still hurts much. I can’t deny.
If I did it would be a lie.
That would not stop the pain I feel.
I do not want you gone, but I know my wants aren’t your needs.
I must agree with Boys II Men when they say,
“It’s so hard to say goodbye to yesterday.”
It is.