Sir, Have You Seen My Dad?

[mummsie]

Our local paper has just run a writing comp for Anzac Day with the theme being 'Memories from the past'. This poem first came about through the writing workshop last year and I thought it fitting to enter. I was notified on Tuesday that I had won, the trophy -the 2013 Sands of Gallipoli collection commemorating The battle of Lone Pine-how chuffed am I?

“SIR, HAVE YOU SEEN MY DAD”

Sue Pearce © 2013


The crowd was cheering, waving as the boat docked by the Quay

He stood along his mother’s side, a wee small lad was he

As soldiers filed down- one by one- he searched each face with care

Then scanned the photo in his hand. No-no resemblance there.



The hours passed, the tiny lad began to show despair

When suddenly a hand reached out and gently brushed his hair

A soldier, who’d been watching by asked “why so anxious lad?”

The small boy answered, questioning “Sir, have you seen my Dad?”



Two years ago, that very day, a knock came to the door

Informing them their loved one had gone missing in the war.

With hopeful hearts they waited…. daily papers they perused

Acceptance of the soldiers death was something they refused.



The lad was just a newborn when his father set to sea

He’d placed the photo by his crib, reminding him that he

would always hold him in his heart, no matter, come what may

His letters home would always read “I love you more each day”.



The soldier knelt beside the lad and said “Now let me see

Is this a photo of your Dad? How proud you all must be,

for in his eyes there shines a pride that soldiers take to war

a sacrifice where many lives are lost--forever more”.



The soldier shook the small boys hand and bid the lad farewell

but, as he turned to walk away, the teardrops freely fell

For how on earth could he explain to sad and hopeful eyes

His father wasn’t coming home-he knew of his demise.



The days, the months, the years flew by, the boy became a man

and bore a son who filled the void in life’s eternal plan.

They shared a bond so special-of the kind he’d been denied

But always in his heart he felt his father by his side.



The twilight years soon enveloped an aged and weary mind

Where days were spent submerged in time, his thoughts now running blind

As frail hands clasped a photo, scanned by eyes forlorn and sad

His last words whispered to his son-“Sir,.. have you seen. ..my.. Dad?”

[Bob Pacey]

Congratulations Sue well done a worthy winner.


Bob

[Heather]

Congratulations Sue, you're going from strength to strength.

Heather

[Terry]

Congratulations Sue - a lovely poem.

Terry

[Neville Briggs]

Well done Sue.

[alongtimegone]

That's quite beautiful Sue.
Wazza

[mummsie]

Thank you all.
Peely and I travelled to Corryong yesterday and I performed this at their Anzac concert with some wonderful feedback.
Cheers
Sue

[Maureen K Clifford]

Good on you Sue - it's a beaut.

Cheers

Maureen

[Leonie]

Hi Sue, that's really beautiful, sad but beautiful just the same. Congratulations on the win, well deserved.

[mummsie]

Thank you Maureen and Leonie


Sue