Harold Percy lay on his death bed as the lonely Australian Sun slowly went down.
By his side was his youngest son Jock.
“ Come close Jock I want to tell you something” said Harold with a raspy voice,
“ It’s all bullshit, son, you know this rubbish about love, it’s all a lie.”
“ Rest, Dad, just rest” suggested Jock.
“ No, it’s all a lie. A man of substance and integrity doesn’t need a woman.
The poets praising their virtues were talking about each other.
Most of them were gay and never knew how mad, bad and sad women really are.
The Bible got it right. Women are pure evil. Don’t get married.
Stay happy all your life.” said Harold with a real sense of urgency.
“ Yes Dad I understand” answered Jock trying to placate the old man.
“ And death is not the end. Death is everywhere. People think that Death is just at the end.
No it’s in every handshake. Death is in the meeting of a man and a women.
Death is in a kiss. It’s everywhere people are.
You cannot sacrifice the infinite Joy of a life alone for the agony of married life.
You must promise me you’ll live alone for there is death in human touch.”
“ I promise”, said Jock who was only half listening.
Just as the last rays of the light flickered at the window Harold Percy passed away.
Jock rang for the Ambulance but it was purely a routine gesture.
He could see that the old man was beyond saving.
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Author:
David Wakeling (
Online) - Published: March 19th, 2025 01:47
- Category: Unclassified
- Views: 10
Online)
Comments5
Emotive words from a man who did not have a good life by the sound of it.
Andy
Yes you are right.He had a hard life.Thanks for commenting
Once burnt twice shy they say. A most engaging story that bleeds of more reality than fiction. Such feelings do exist and such people as well. The dilema of making a deathbed promise to one's father and keeping it. Very nicely done
Yes your right there is more truth in that poem then I should admit to.Some strong feelings there.Thanks for your insight. Admirable as usual
A promise worth peace in last moments. Very relatable 🕊🙏🏻
Indeed a difficult promise.Thanks for commenting pote
Much welcome 🙏🏻🕊
A man who clearly had been hurt and had a very hard life, thinking he is preparing his son not to suffer the same fate, putting the son in a very difficult position, nicely written and one to get you thinking, enjoyed the read
Yes hard to keep that promise.Thanks for commenting
You are very welcome
Excellent write David
Thanks for commenting
You're welcome
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