We have just returned from a very private funeral for Dad. He didn't want a fuss, so it was just Mum, Dawn, Gary & I. We had no service, but Mum said a few words and Dawn & I had both written poems for Dad, which we read out.
This was my poem.
We’ve come to say goodbye Dad, we hope that you don’t mind
We know you didn’t want a fuss, you were never the flashy kind
We want to thank you for all you did in your long and happy life
To make us all feel special, your daughters and your wife
We couldn’t be there to hold your hand, these are such difficult times
But I’m sure you knew how much we loved you, as you closed your eyes
Your gentle ways and cheeky smile, are etched in all our hearts
And the love you gave us will be the bond between us as we part
We’ve looked in all the pockets of the jackets that you wore
We found polos, sugar and handkerchiefs…what was all that for?
So you can still make us laugh, Dad, even though you’re gone
And it’s laughter, and not all our tears, that will help us to go on
The potions & pills, just like you said, have all been thrown away
To make room for our new memories from every passing day
Your humour and smiles and the strength that you taught , is what will help help us through
And the love and the kindness and family values…well they’re all down to you
We’ll remember all those feathers we planted so long ago
Times on the beach, collecting stones, so Dawn could take them home
The happiest childhood that Dawn & I will both remember forever
But it’s time for you dad, to move on now, like the birds from all those feathers
You’ve left us all your poems, your memoirs & your notes
And we can always read the many stories you wrote
But you know the most precious thing you leave us as we part
Is all the love that you gave us, which we’ll keep inside our hearts
bev kew
1st June 2020