Daddy (Not) Cool

You wonder, why the thunder? What has torn my world asunder?
Don’t feel bad, but it’s sad, and it’s all about my Dad.
He’s fallen sick, it happened quick, and pills won’t do the trick
He’s got his humour, but there’s a rumour, that tests will confirm a tumour

It was a shock, my world did rock, of my life I did take stock
But cruel fate, didn’t wait, to pile dessert upon my plate
Across my path, the aftermath, of an awful blood bath
Two vans collide, kids inside, and everybody died

We drove past, albeit fast, but the images will last
Burnt on my brain, lives lost in vain, a sight of such pain
Everywhere I see, tragedy, loss that wasn’t meant to be
But I don’t cry, though I try, and I often wonder why.

Away from him, my life feels grim, like I’m out on a limb
But I won’t mope, I have hope, and more faith than the pope
He’s strong, he’ll live long, he’ll prove the numbers wrong
He did before, and what’s more, now he has more to live for

It may be, that what drives me, is nought but naivety
But I’d look out of place, could you erase, the smile upon my face
So as I ought, as I was taught, I pick myself up off the court
And resign, to grand design, knowing my Dad will be fine.

Written January 2011, inspired by some of the sforementioned difficult events that were occuring in my life at the time.

In Loving Memory

As inevitable as birth is the arrival of death
But how different is the first, from the final, breath
Pain and tears and the miracle is born
Tears and pain and from us you are torn

Ninety years are gone in the blink of an eye
But would you have us laugh or prefer us to cry?
Is this the moment to mourn never seeing you again
Or the time to celebrate your life with us, Den?

I really barely knew you and now never will
And yet such a big part of my life you’ll always fill
Your shadow is cast longer then your tiny frame would permit
We’ll miss your penchant for the arts and your razor-sharp wit.

There is an empty seat at the table at bridge
And a full bottle of gin still waiting in the fridge
Five daughters who gathered to see you cut the cake
Find themselves instead planning a wake

You thanked the nurses with you final breath
Told them they were beautiful and accepted your death
But you were the beauty in your scarves of every colour
A unconventional wife, friend, gran, and mother.

We’ll miss you Den and yet be happy for you too
Appreciate that you’re up there having a few
Thanks for the laughs and the stories you tell
Goodbye, so long, auf wiedersehen, farewell!

Written March 2009, on the day my grandma Denise passed suddenly, and yet after years of expectation. An incredible woman who will be missed by all who knew her.