Oof, Sam, this holds so much. Tears welled as I read and that familiar tightening in my stomach. A slow nod in seeing your memory and parts of my own overlay. There are memories of our youth that others do not feel, even though they were there. To forgive in the newness of their change is not easy; our bodies and those memories never forget. What a GRACE this is, to move forward. Powerful.
Thank you, Wendy, for sharing those words. I'm still trying to figure out how to remember him, and though there were some very difficult years, time has been the best medicine. And nature. Lots and lots of nature.
Oh, if not for nature…and time. I hear you, Sam. Nature and poetry have a way of showing us how to heal and gift us some beautiful examples of grace. 💜
Sam, I'm loving the vulnerability of your poetics in your new book, and your kindly lyrics above that express such genuine warmth. Your tenderness and sincerity shine through.
Thank you, Monoreena. It's taken years of work to get to this point of understanding. I no longer look back at his memory in anger. I look back with grace, knowing he did the best he could with what was given to him from his own memory and inheritance.
Amazing how we grow into tenderness. What cannot be shown to our children as we are drenched in expectations of perfect parenting rules. When we finally outgrow them only our grandchildren receive their blessing. Sadly this is the usual pattern. Well described Sam.
Thank you, Paulette. I've had some interesting conversations with my adults kids lately about my fathering, and I'm sometimes shocked at their recollection. And thankfully, they show grace toward me as well, knowing how I was raised. I am thankful.
I love this one Sam - it feels so honest, tender and tough.
Thank you, Holly! 🙏
The heart holds memories, which much like emotions time travel
As I dive deeper into writing about my childhood and my father, I realize that more and more. Thank you, Kayla.
Oof, Sam, this holds so much. Tears welled as I read and that familiar tightening in my stomach. A slow nod in seeing your memory and parts of my own overlay. There are memories of our youth that others do not feel, even though they were there. To forgive in the newness of their change is not easy; our bodies and those memories never forget. What a GRACE this is, to move forward. Powerful.
Beautiful poem, my friend.
Many blessings and MUCH LOVE,
~Wendy💜
Thank you, Wendy, for sharing those words. I'm still trying to figure out how to remember him, and though there were some very difficult years, time has been the best medicine. And nature. Lots and lots of nature.
Oh, if not for nature…and time. I hear you, Sam. Nature and poetry have a way of showing us how to heal and gift us some beautiful examples of grace. 💜
The way you are able to draw from a deeply layered experience and bring the intimacy forward in this poem is stunning, Sam. And that last line, wow!
Thank you, Ash! 🙏
This says a lot.
Thank you! 🙏
So beautiful and heartfelt. I love the title too. :)
Thank you, Grace. And as I wrote your name, I just realized why you liked the title so much...lol
Sam, I'm loving the vulnerability of your poetics in your new book, and your kindly lyrics above that express such genuine warmth. Your tenderness and sincerity shine through.
Laurie Hollman
lauriehollmanphd.com
Thank you so much, Laurie. 🙏
Beautiful.
Thank you! : )
They way you bring out the soft of the tough is beautiful Sam
Thank you, Monoreena. It's taken years of work to get to this point of understanding. I no longer look back at his memory in anger. I look back with grace, knowing he did the best he could with what was given to him from his own memory and inheritance.
Amazing how we grow into tenderness. What cannot be shown to our children as we are drenched in expectations of perfect parenting rules. When we finally outgrow them only our grandchildren receive their blessing. Sadly this is the usual pattern. Well described Sam.
Thank you, Paulette. I've had some interesting conversations with my adults kids lately about my fathering, and I'm sometimes shocked at their recollection. And thankfully, they show grace toward me as well, knowing how I was raised. I am thankful.
“His voice, softer now, pauses
in places it never used to.” This ending holds so much.
Thank you, Lisa. It was so difficult to end the poem there! Sometimes I want to go further, but an editor told me to leave it right where it was.
Finding new ways to see him. . . "the way he cups his chest, careful not to let him slip" . . .
this feels like a tender and curious way to be present . . .beautiful Sam.
Thank you, Ann.
So vivid and heartfelt. We are right there with you.
Thank you, MK! : )
Beautiful.
Thank you, Anita!
Wonderful poem Sam. A joy to read this one.
Thank you, John. I appreciate it!
I feel the emotion in this one. Well done.
Thank you, Denise! : )