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Traces of My Dad

15 June 2011
dad
dad
Dad2 cropped
Dad (later 70’s early 80’s)

Everywhere I look I see traces of my dad

but never so much as in the truck he left behind

And although I know I’ll never forget him

or who he was or what he looked liked because

he’s captured in photographs

It is most obvious in the truck he left behind

Maybe that is why I never moved these little traces of my dad,

the bottle of motor oil, his notebook with his hand-written notes

his hat – his tools – his jacket – his gloves

Because every time I get in the truck

I am enveloped by traces and the scent of my dad

and it is as if he never left me behind

If I sit still and quiet,

closing my eyes in the hush

I can almost see his hand on the steering wheel

and almost hear him say “Let’s stop at Hardy’s for a biscuit.”

These traces of my dad.

Maybe that’s why I never removed these traces of my dad

they remind me that he was just here

these traces of my dad

I still miss him

his stone
His stone

2008 © Nan C Loyd

Unforgettable, dad’s favorite song for my Mom

12 thoughts on “Traces of My Dad”

  5. I love this song. Your dad sure was a handsome guy! I really enjoyed your poem. It toched my heart.

  6. I love this song. Your dad sure was a handsome guy! I really enjoyed your poem. It toched my heart.

  7. Oh Nan this is so poignant. I can see you sitting there waiting to hear his voice again. This was very powerful and makes me realize that I need to really appreciate my dad while he is here.

  8. Oh Nan this is so poignant. I can see you sitting there waiting to hear his voice again. This was very powerful and makes me realize that I need to really appreciate my dad while he is here.

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