his eyes were constantly filled with pain
as bone pressed into his spinal cord
no idea how he stayed sane
eyes haunted by his service
no time for religions
for any God would prevent war
training had taught him to rise early
marched us many a mile
enforced with military style
then they would implore
for patient understanding
when he knew he was out of line
they did twinkle with mischief
as sea water splashed over those
who dared to sleep in
his eyes filled with love
when grandson visited
war damage kept his own at arms length
but they clouded as he faced death
no beliefs left him bereft
war taunts and haunts those left
d’Verse, eyes, Mish – my father, dedicated to all those damaged in the aftermath!
No good photos of him, this is a random stranger …
here is a good news story well worth reading:
https://www.abc.net.au/news/2020-11-18/spending-down-millions-climate-change-philanthropy/12880114
aroused 
This is a moving homage, Kate.
Michel ❤
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This month has been one filled with thoughts of my father. Reading all the poems and remembrances of others’ fathers is a blessing. I love the descriptions of his eyes – wonderful memories….
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Kate, I am sorry for your father’s and your family’s suffering. War leaves such lasting pain! I wish we could find a way to end wars.
One of my friends who served in Vietnam has PTSD and became an alcoholic. Another friend was wounded four times in Vietnam and has had an ongoing battle with throat cancer from agent orange. He still flies flags in his yard.
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I know those haunted eyes. From too many who served and still do.
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they leave with eyes sparkling with the vitality of youth off on an adventure and return haunted … with no cure in sight!
Have just added a good news link to this post that I know you will love Jules
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Ambitious, honorable and quite excellent!
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Deeply moving and beautiful _()_
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I admire this remembrance poem to honor your father, Kate. He was a man of great character. Sorry he was in so much physical pain.
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thanks Lisa, he did have one year free of pain after legendary spinal surgery before his mesothelioma pain kicked in …
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This a haunting painful portrayal of your father damaged by war and its ugly aftermath. Powerful personal share, thank you.
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Those were eyes with many years of life behind them, running and rerunning the daily feed of memories. A very nice tribute to you father. Well done Kate.
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I’m so sorry to hear about your Dad’s suffering and pain. 😦 This poem is a beautiful tribute to him.
So many, too many, have gone through this same thing. 😦
Wish we could give them all gentle hugs of gratitude and love.
(((HUGS)))
PS…I’ll check out the link.
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A heart-wrenching, but also a heart-warming tribute Kate…
“The pain of war cannot exceed the woe of the aftermath.”
Led Zeppelin
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Well written Kate, A sad reality
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A fitting tribute to your father. So sorry for what he must have suffered. Pleased he got to meet and appreciate his grandchildren. And great to read about philanthropical spending to tackle Climate Change!
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Beautifully penned Kate! It’s a tougher battle for the immediate family off the battlefield which people often fail to see! I can totally relate with your words…
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My hubby served in the army for 25 years! But God has been kind to us… I admire people like your parents who have faced severe hardships…
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my siblings are all in the line of service and i could really feel why my mom is so worried of them… my other brother passed away in the line of duty and twas really terrible to see our mother cried…
this poem reminded me of that moment when my mom had to carry our flag on behalf of my dead brother.
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sorry to trigger such a sad memory Mich, losing a child is far more traumatic than losing a parent whose had a full life 😦
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Very moving, poignant portrait. War has left so many damaged souls that keep their suffering inside for the rest of their lives, and it leaves their mark on their families as well, as you so beautifully say.
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I remember the story, so wonderful to read this moving elegy Kate.
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A genuine tribute to your father, sharing his pain and struggle as well as the kindness and joy. I’m so sorry for what he endured.
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War leaves such scars, this is a lovely tribute
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War leaves many scars, both inside and out. A loving tribute. (K)
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Oh Kate! A moving tribute – wars cause pain both physical and emotional, seen and unseen. For the people fighting them and the people left behind. ❤️
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Irma the nightmares the survivors endure traumatise them for the rest of their lives, the reason why so many suicide 😦
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[…] my father died on Feb 1st 30 years ago … here is a poem to him! […]
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So beautiful, sad and heartfelt. You painted his portrait in words, Kate,a deeper level even photographs can’t touch or depict.
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Such a beautiful tribute to your Dad Kate… Your narration painted a wonderful description of him, his fortitude, through all his suffering, yet still he was playful and mischievous ..
Many thanks for sharing him.. ❤ Much love x
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That was so moving…..I’m sorry for what he went through, and what everyone who endured war went through!
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and I just hate to think of the damage happening now from this nasty war 🙂
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