In memory of Papa
My 1st ghazal
I remember his toolboxes, table vice, hand sander
Still remember foul humor, impatience, frank candor
I remember clever math tricks and right-wing politics
And sultry actresses at whom he would gander
I remember him sitting, reading, problem solving
Frustrated, resigned, when his mind would meander
I remember long summers he nannied my daughter
Love all-consuming, warmed bottles he'd hand her
I remember brilliance; I remember his strength, God
Deep in principles anchored; and not one to pander
I remember no bullshit and deep disappointments
Because and regardless no one ever stood grander
I remember young David who worshipped his Papa
None could ever replace him, not one ben Alexander
d’Verse Open Link Night
For today’s OLN, I’d like to share my first ghazal, which I wrote nearly one year ago (~11 months). TBH, I’m not sure this is technically a ghazal, because the rhyme is only on the last two syllables of the name ‘Alexander’, as if they were two separate words, rather than on the entire word…
Anyway, it’s a deeply true and personal piece. The photo is of my parents holding me at my brit milah (circumcision).
Let’s write poetry together!
When it comes to partnership, some humans can make their lives alone – it’s possible. But creatively, it’s more like painting: you can’t just use the same colours in every painting. It’s just not an option. You can’t take the same photograph every time and live with art forms with no differences.
–Ben Harper (b. 1969)
Would you like to create poetry with me and have a completed poem of yours featured here at the Skeptic’s Kaddish? I am very excited to have launched the ‘Poetry Partners’ initiative and am looking forward to meeting and creating with you… Check it out!
The Skeptic's Kaddish ๐ฎ๐ฑ 
oh this is so wonderful! โค
๐ค๐ Kunjal ๐๐ค
You put together snippets of memory to make an inimitable collage.
๐ค๐ฅฐ Reena ๐ฅฐ๐ค
So here’s the first ghazal you wrote!! I simply loved this one, written about yourself and your pen name! ๐
And of course, your love for your father! (I didn’t catch that the first time I read it ๐ฌ)
โบ๏ธ
Waittt aren’t you supposed to be marking Sabbath now??
no – the sun has not set yet.
also – when the sun sets, I have posts scheduled in advance.
Haha ok.. and btw, tomorrow’s my last exam!! After that, its enjoyment..!
Good luck! And Shabbat shalom! (that’s the greeting we say just before or during Shabbat)
Yeah I know, having gone through the archives of comments that greet every post of yours! ๐
๐๐ค Veera ๐ค๐
Such a wonderful tribute to your father, David. Your pride and passion for the man he was to you comes through so strongly. Love your last line!
Dwight
๐๐ Dwight ๐๐
David, the words are on the tip of my tongue but I think I’ll give you a hug instead.
The poem is candid and heartfelt.I’m sure it’ll touch many hearts.
๐โฅ๏ธ Harshi โฅ๏ธ๐
God, joy fills your dad’s heart
With this honour, so present
I can feel his warm smile
You write for all of us. We steal a little detail as you honour your father, we recall our dads.
You are such a natural, no matter the form presented in the poetry world, you excel in it.
My heart is full of joy listening to your word, a gift to your dad.
โค๏ธ๐ Abi ๐โค๏ธ
โคโคDavid
A beautiful paean to your father, and a wonderful first go (!) at a ghazal. This is a form I don’t know and I have bookmarked it as a route out of the dry gulch I’ve been in for a month (I have pages and pages of starts right now that don’t go anywhere)
๐๐ Alexandra ๐๐
This one is special. I am teary-eyed. โค
๐๐ Muri ๐๐
So heartfelt and full of personality – your Papa and your poem! You had me teary with the first line. I inherited all of my dad’s tools and toolboxes. ๐ Your family photo is priceless.
๐ค๐ Michele ๐๐ค
Your father is always with you, I’m certain of that. (K)
๐๐ค Kerfe ๐ค๐
It makes me wonder if we knew them (fathers) better after death than while alive.
๐๐ฅฐ Misky ๐ฅฐ๐
oh I love this personal poem and form David./…. so heartwarming of your Papa and this wonderful picture of the 3 of you. ๐๐๐
๐๐ค Cindy ๐ค๐
๐๐ท๐