Traces of My Dad

June 15th, 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 Responses to “Traces of My Dad”

  1. You are very talented. I know your dad is proud of you.
    Mommas Soapbox recently posted…MY SON TIED THE KNOT!My Profile

  2. You are very talented. I know your dad is proud of you.
    Mommas Soapbox recently posted…MY SON TIED THE KNOT!My Profile

  3. Beth says:

    Your dad must have been an awesome guy to inspire such a beautiful poem!
    Beth recently posted…Mixed ReviewsMy Profile

  4. Beth says:

    Your dad must have been an awesome guy to inspire such a beautiful poem!
    Beth recently posted…Mixed ReviewsMy Profile

  5. Sue says:

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

  6. Sue says:

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

  7. Merz says:

    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. Merz says:

    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.

  9. Nan, so so so tender, beautiful, lovely. so so so. xxxx

  10. Nan, so so so tender, beautiful, lovely. so so so. xxxx

  11. Just beautiful Nan!

  12. Just beautiful Nan!

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