The Man Who…

This poem is dedicated to my step-dad, the man who from the beginning treated me then as he does now – as one of his own.  Thank you.

*****

– The Man Who… –

The man who took me on
as part of the deal
The man who never once
made me feel –

in the way,
unwanted, not cared for

The man who carved lanterns
for Halloween fun
The man who made theatres
and allowed me to run – 

matters off-stage,
free reign, made miniature

The man who was there, quiet
in my background
The man who loved me
as if he had found – 

my small heart
and held it, so gently

A man who I love
admire and respect
A man who I hope
will only reflect – 

that he fashioned a good life
for a daughter, pre-made

From the bottom of my heart
For the man who…

What Lies Beneath – Alastair’s Photo Fiction

Here is my offering for Alastair’s Photo Fiction this week, inspired by the photo below.  Why not take part? And why not visit his photography and writing blog to take a look at his other photos…?

Copyright - Kattermonran

Copyright – Kattermonran

– What Lies Beneath –

The four seasons are a distant memory – those days are long gone. Now we have The Dry and The Wet. I miss the crunch of autumn leaves underfoot, the mists hanging in the valleys at sunrise.

The onslaught of rain is tough at first. One day, the sun is high and fierce enough to leave us all parched at each ragged breath, the next the air is heavy, clouds low and pregnant with water. After a few weeks, the downpour ceases for a while, puddles lie still. It is this time that will find me, toes touching the very edge of one of these glistening pools, watching, waiting, staring.

“Alison? Alison! I’m here.”

The voice is faint, as if my imagination is playing cruel tricks. But this is real, agonisingly so.

The Washed Away, they call them. Most believe that they were drowned in the Flood Times, when the heavens opened for four long years. But I know the truth. Yes, they were washed away, but not drowned. Just taken down; down to The Below.

“Mother! It’s so good to see you!”

We smile, making do. It’s all we have.


 

Puddles! – dVerse Poetics

This week’s dVerse Poetics has been a bit of a challenge for me, since children aren’t a huge part of my story and life. Still, I was a little girl once upon a time, and I can still connect with my inner silly 🙂

So, I hope you enjoy this little ditty – and please visit dVerse to read all of the other creations!

 

– Puddles! –

Splish, splash, flubble, flosh
Jump in puddles, make them splosh
Stick your tongue out, raindrops tickle
Jewels of water, let them prickle.
Pitter, patter, flickle, flack
Umbrellas open with a crack!
Welly boots keep feet dry
Watch the rainbow fill the sky.
(And annoy your parents – ask them ‘Why?’!)