Monday, September 29, 2014

After You're Gone

Written by my father
Translated by me

Somewhere at night a string sings out
All's dark, silent, filled with doubt
I'm alone, and you?
Out there, in the cold, a string sings out

Forgive me ma, that under your wing
A poet grew, only to sing 
Forgive me ma, I knew no way but run
I was a defiant son!

In your life I sang you no songs, but now I miss—
Forgive me ma, that I wiped off your kiss
Which you gave me, thinking I were asleep...
Now, after you're gone, I confess and I weep

I loved no one like you!
After you were gone, I knew
I had travelled to a place so alien, so cold
How bitter it had felt, to you I never told.

How you waited to receive a word from me, a letter,
How I missed you! Only now I know better
No longer am I ashamed to say, to try:
Forgive me ma, now at last I am allowed to cry.


This is a watercolor painting--the largest I have painted--of my father. Measuring 40" x 30", this is called 'Silence of the Bard. Why a Bard? Because even though my father never played a musical instrument he composed beautiful images using the music of words. This is why the impression of the strings extends out into the landscape, which becomes a melodically conceived universe. 
And, why Silence? because he never shared his last body of work with anyone. It is not been read by others, until now, until I published this book in his tribute: Home.

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"Absolutely Stunning!" "scenes of such exquisite depth and beauty"

7 comments:

  1. Very moving and touching. A true Tribute to your Dad. Heartfelt.

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  2. I enjoyed this. It was heartfelt and your love was well conveyed.
    You may enjoy my "Love and Faith" on emergingwritersonline.com
    It's written from a father to his kids and I'm sure you'd find it relatable as a view from a parent's eyes.

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much Christian, will check it out. I'm glad you enjoyed my father's poem.

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  3. A daughter's love is beautiful. He is so proud that his love carries forward in you.

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  4. Beautiful 💐 what an incredible way to honor your father! Thank you for sharing with us.

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