Wednesday 28 January 2015

My Father's Rosebud

My Father in 1944


Today marks the second anniversary of my father's passing.

After work I attended a Choral Evensong at London's historic Southwark Cathedral, near the River Thames and nestled opposite the City's oldest station, London Bridge. I was 43 when my dad departed and visiting this Gothic oasis of calm, was the perfect setting to celebrate my father today and light a candle to remember my time spent with this amazing man, who was the perfect gentleman, father and hero to all his grandchildren.

Perching myself on a seat at the back of the Cathedral I was captivated by the singing, which not only was angelic and enchanting but also brought a tear to my eye. I left before the end as the beauty of my Gothic surroundings began to make me reflect on my late father and overwhelmed me but in a good way. I was glad I decided to take my work colleagues suggestion and visit this hub of calmness to celebrate my father.

The poem I wrote last year, entitled simply, 'To My Father', celebrated the life of my father and was published in e-book series  The Ironic Fantastic # 2, which is free to download.

This year I have written a new poem, which focuses on my childhood memories of my father, called Rosebud, the name my dad called me as a little girl. I hope you enjoy it.

In memory of my father, Edward Douglas Duffin (9th June 1929 - 28th January 2013).

RIP My Beautiful Father xxx


Rosebud


Born on Van Diemen's Land, where Australian devils roam,
Watching African black rhinos play on the Serengeti plain,
Racing in an Indonesian becak to avoid the Monsoon,
Bathing Sigiriyan elephant orphans in Sri Lanka,
Kipper tie and back scratcher claws, 
Bugle horn and a countryside run,
Listening to Pendle witch stories,
Childhood memories,
Shared with my father.