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Dexteram Patris

entry picture

Dexteram Patris

Uncomfortable
seeing him that way,
and she,
ever supportive,
gently touching
his arm
for reassurance

but there is a failing,
something not the same,
although in looks
we are so similar.

The Prodigal returns
and sees his father,
straight of back
and stern of countenance,
falling to pieces.

The once proud frame -
busted

and she,
as beautiful as always,
by his side.

This will be you.
Like father, like son,
like every
Odysseus
returning home.

And when, you too,
start to lose stuffing
and the world unravels,
you will remember them.

Mother.
Father.
The quiet discomfort
of not quite right
that marks him out
as transient.

For we are all
sitting in
our fathers
favourite chair.

 

Inspired By: photograph by Richard Nixon (c) Rich Pictures

https://www.facebook.com/richpicturesphotography

 

 

prodigal sondeclining healthdementiafatherfavourite chairrichpixright hand of the father

◄ Gatekeeper

Nocnitsa ►

Comments

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M.C. Newberry

Mon 9th Mar 2015 14:27

More worthwhile work from this source.
Some of the lines still resonate in my head...always a sign
of quality for me.

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John Coopey

Thu 5th Mar 2015 22:51

Indeed we are, Ian.
When I shave in a morning my own dad looks back at me.

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Laura Taylor

Thu 5th Mar 2015 10:38

This is one of the best poems I've read by you Ian. Deeply moving, and I connect with it so strongly. It has a funereal air to it, and that's not just because the subject is close to death, it's the sombreness of it too. Almost hushed. I love that you have seen these ideas in this photo. These lines are so uncomfortable, so real, and such a great choice for describing the state of dementia and encroaching death:

The quiet discomfort
of not quite right
that marks him out
as transient.

Brilliant.

One tiny typo though in the following line - there's a full stop after reassurance and a lower case b in but:


for reassurance.

but there is a failing,

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Jackie Phillips

Wed 4th Mar 2015 16:48

Brilliant - 'nough said

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Gray Nicholls

Tue 3rd Mar 2015 12:54

excellent work, ian. not a word out of place there i think

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Graham Sherwood

Mon 2nd Mar 2015 22:38

Really nice work Ian. Last four lines perfect.

<Deleted User> (13516)

Mon 2nd Mar 2015 22:10

A very moving and poignant poem, Ian.

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