He walked alone with the future
packed in his rail thin body
down the long road to Cork,
in his bloodstream my life,
my daughters and grandson,
my sister, her children and grandchildren,
taking us to a place he had never seen,
sure it was better than where he’d been.
He wasn’t much of a dreamer
though some spark
must have kept him walking,
to bring the story he was given
to the place it could be written,
holding on so fiercely
to the touch of providence
that was his.
Don,
For me, “Touch of Providence”—through your images of lineage and walking—evokes a wonderful sense of the oneness of the horizontal space-time world, and the ever here-now presence of the divine. ‘Tis a fine tribute to your dad and the impulses that moved him that now help allow you to write as you do.
In my view, this is a poem for your next published volume.
Beautiful, Don. That’s just the way I remember your Dad.
I have learned that a walker sees what no one else notices…thanks Don, and thanks to the spirit of your Father, who enabled your incarnation.
A lovely tribute to your Dad, Don. Thanks you for sharing your Easter musings. Happy Easter/Spring Solstice.
Thanks Don. I have enjoyed wonderful conversations with friends the last couple of days about the journeys of our ancestors….
Reminds me a powerful moment during “warrior training” when, at night … in a circle of men, I shouted “My name is Menato”. There is a lightning of sheer power that reaches us through our father, and beyond. This poem carries that.
It takes a touch of Providence, and walking a long distance, it seems, to bring the story we are given to the place it can be written. So many ancestors have carried us in their bodies so we can bring the story to the place in can be written — in us, through us. It’s a miracle…
Thanks, Don, for your beautiful work.
Truly inspired, my dear Spirit Brother…RIGHT ON!.. WRITE ON!!
The poem, as beautiful as it is in honoring your father, it is also a deep recognition for each of us of keeping our ancestors alive in our hearts. Your image is of your father on that long road looking ahead. My image is of my father sitting on a log looking out into the vast pacific as into eternity. Each of us hold an image of our ancestors that kindles the spark of both gratitude and inner understanding for ourselves. Thanks again, for holding “true north” for your gift of poetry!
A poignant image…re created by a skillful hand and insightful heart.
We are all sons and daughters.
Beautifully written…❤️
Yes, your love for your Dad shines through and your appreciation of what he offered you, also……
An eloquent and fitting tribute to your dad. I remember him well and I can see him so vividly in your words, Don. And I love the seeing the photo of him and the girls. Thank you.
How beautifully articulate this poem describes the power of “lineage”.
His love for his children, children’s children and their children is now known to all.
Yes, thank you.
I love the images in this one! Bringing you, your sister, your progeny, in his bloodstream to a new place… Very touching.
This is so beautiful…
Don’t we love these glimpses of the lineage we are part of, grounding us in the larger story in a personal way. The current of love you have for the path leading to you is perfect. Good piece!
Beautiful poem, Don. It is good to see the holiness that attends ancestry.
How very lovely. I thank God for your gift of poetry and the Blessing of those before us. Your Spring of thoughts touch me. Thank you.