October. Here in this boisterous restaurant table
with family, I sit and stare at my father’s timeworn
and wrinkled face. Blood-flecked eyes,
he holds in his gaze a forlorn expression,
in his body the weight of years accumulated.
In ill-fitted pants and rumpled shirt, he leans
against the restaurant table and cries.
He’s traumatized by the hurricane he’d just experienced,
relieved that now there’s something to eat.
I’ve never seen my father like this.
But the ordeal is over, for now, thank God
we have him home again with family. Papi, we love you,
we’re so happy you’re home with us, we who can’t even phantom
the fury of a hurricane, and don’t even know the experience of
a violent and raucous visit of death.
-
Author:
rrodriguez (
Offline) - Published: October 3rd, 2017 11:37
- Comment from author about the poem: Yesterday we had a family get together to celebrate our dad's 85th birthday. He just arrived from Puerto Rico where he experienced the fury of the hurricane. He comes from Barranquitas, the straight path Maria passed through and left devastation. My sisters and brothers and I we couldn't communicate with him for a week or so. But when we did, he was crying and depressed. No water, food, no gas. He had driven to Caguas for many hours to find gas. There, we were able to contact him. My sisters and brothers quickly reacted and we brought him here to recover from this ordeal. He's traumatized, but doing well. I wrote this poem to express the gratitude I have toward God, my family, and the many friends who helped and are helping the many Puerto Ricans in distressed. Enjoy.
- Category: Family
- Views: 35
Offline)
Comments4
Against nature's fury we are helpless and you expressed the pain and loss that comes with that so vividly. My heart goes out to you and your family.
Thank you Fred. Your words encourage me.
A beautiful message Roberto. Only those who have lived through it know the fury of Nature. It will take time to rebuild his life. God bless you all.- Phil A.
Phil, l'm you're back. Missed you buddy. Thank you for your comment.
Such a moving write, I am so glad your Dad is safe.
Thank you!
Wonderful. Writing about family is a good subject. I am happy for you. It is always good to have family home and close together. 💗💕❤😊
Thank you!
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