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 
Such a beautiful tribute, David! ๐
โค thanks, Merril โค
๐
A wonderful tribute David โบ๏ธ๐
โค โค Christine โค โค – thank you so much!
Much love,
David
Powerful, sincere, worthy, moving….thoughts from your words run deep…
๐ Ain ๐ – I really appreciate your kind words.
Thank you,
David
A beautiful tribute.
I love these lines especially:
I remember no bullshit and deep disappointments
Because and regardless
no one ever stood grander
Boundaries being set truly show us deep love don’t they? When a parent knows their children won’t always like it at first, but perserveres in hope, trusting one day their labor of love will reap fruit. It obviously did with you, your Dad who once brought deep disappointments turning into: “no one ever stood grander”.
It’s also beautiful hearing of his faith and the strength God gave him.
He sounds like an amazing man.
๐งก Anna ๐งก – thanks.
-David
A tender portrait of a father by his loving son: you make us see him in his larger-than-life aspect as “young David who worshiped his Papa.” Beautifully transposed from heart to paper, I mean keyboard and screen. ๐
Shalom,
Dora
๐ค Dorah ๐ค – thank you so much.
-David
๐ค๐ค
You worked the form well. A lovely tribute to your father.
Much๐love
โค โค Gillena โค โค – thank you!
This is so wonderfully done, David! I know you’re not religious, but I feel your father must be smiling right now ๐
Thanks Ingrid! I’m not religious, but I’m quite religiulous!
I have yet to try the ghazal form. I guess I haven’t yet come across the right theme to try out the form. So it was a pleasure to read yours. You’ve inspired me ๐
โค Constance โค – thank you – I actually really like the way this form flows! I'm going to try a few more, I think.
All best,
David
A poem warmed by your love. Remembrances of parts that combine to assemble a whole. A wonderful poem, David.
โค๏ธโฅ๏ธ Dave โฅ๏ธโค๏ธ
Such a very moving remembrance, full of love and honesty. I liked your ghazal – the two-thirds rhyme is actually nicer, less intrusive – in my humble opinion!
๐งก๐ Laura ๐๐งก
Touching David, so touching โ filled with love and respect. Excellent write my friend!
๐๐ Rob ๐๐
So touching verses! A beautiful tribute ๐๐
๐๐ Kaushal ๐๐