fourth of july
was his favorite
holiday when
dad, guardian
of hot punk,
would light
our sparklers;
we’d laugh and
dance in grass,
swirling
happy sparks
in waves of
patriotism.
now he comes
to iowa to
visit us, his
(temp) guardians,
and to watch
fireflies & fireworks,
celebrating his
independence
from assisted living;
he laughs aloud
at whistling stars
and deaf-defying
bangs.
how can i
bear the time
when dad’s
bright spark
explodes and
sizzles out,
smoking white,
and all my
holidays die?
i’ll remember
the laughter,
holding warm
embers.
a poem in my pocket 
Sep 08, 2018 @ 05:20:09
I know this well… the sense of holidays loosing their importance, and we have to find new way to enjoy them when we get older.
Sep 08, 2018 @ 07:16:46
Yes, my Dad’s small hometown had a BIG annual celebration for many years but it gradually died out. Now he celebrates the 4th with our family but there will come a time he won’t be able.
Sep 07, 2018 @ 14:07:30
Beautiful expression of parental love … given and received. Memories will be with you always, where the spark will never fade.
Sep 07, 2018 @ 14:41:48
Thanks for this wonderful comment, Bev!
Sep 07, 2018 @ 10:57:03
Embrace all the good and lovely moments with your father and family! These are precious times to hold on to. Happy weekend.
Sep 07, 2018 @ 11:27:07
You are absolutely right…thanks, Grace!
Sep 07, 2018 @ 09:28:34
If ever warm embers bring comfort, these certainly will.
Sep 07, 2018 @ 10:00:59
I hope so, Ken.
Sep 07, 2018 @ 08:36:55
Very nice description: “bright spark
explodes and
sizzles out”
Sep 07, 2018 @ 09:20:16
Glad you like it!
Sep 07, 2018 @ 06:20:53
Father as firework. What a beautiful, vibrant image!
Sep 07, 2018 @ 07:12:42
It fits him! 😀
Sep 07, 2018 @ 07:31:04
🙂
Sep 07, 2018 @ 04:15:15
sounds like the kind of dad I had too, he made our life sparkle
Sep 07, 2018 @ 04:29:08
The best! 😀
Sep 06, 2018 @ 22:14:51
Beautiful, and so warmly embraces its topic!
Sep 07, 2018 @ 03:34:16
Thanks, Nan!
Sep 06, 2018 @ 20:20:59
He sounds wonderful…a hero to you and a positive, proud, and fun full of spark Dad!
Sep 06, 2018 @ 20:24:29
You’ve summed him up well, Kathy 😀