I wrote a note today
To make things easier
If things go wrong
I told myself it was for my children
But it was really for me
My life on an A4 sheet of paper
Usernames, passwords, hidden questions
Bank, post office, credit union details
Not much for almost seventy years of life
But I’m sure my children will fill in the blanks
I paused before signing it
Wondering if my life was that clinical
But they will know who I was
So on the bottom of the A4 sheet
I wrote the most important words
That I had ever written
Your dad loved you all dearly
…………….
I am an 18 year old who is almost 70. I live in Tramore. Co Waterford and I’m a sort of woodworking musical writer, still following the dream.
Lovely words Eamon very real especially in these strange times. take care you and your family x
Really enjoyed this, Eamon
Nice ine
Cheers Bobby, it’s good to get notices
Eamonn. I loved this bit don’t know how to post a comment. Hope you get this
Evelyn Casey
Thank you so much Evelyn.
Lovely eamonn
Glad you read it and liked it Vera
Thank you so much Marie, strange times
Beautiful and thought provoking Eamon
Only just saw the comments on here. Thank you Andrew
Emotionally fabulous
Thanks you Susan, much appreciated
I recall watching my father, many years ago, stop suddenly during his nightly shave, electric razor poised aloft in one hand, the other at his throat, and he staring at himself in the mirror. “Are you Ok Dad?” I said. “I’m wondering” he said, “what an 18 year old is doing shaving a 70 year old face”. Thank you for reminding me of this Eamonn. Take care x
Paula, Thank You! I love this story about your 70-year-old father and wondering about the 18-year-old shaving his face.
My mother when she was ill and 84, said “I still feel 17 inside.” which was the age when she met my father selling apples at her door. She was embarrassed to be barefoot. He later said, “She was the prettiest little girl I had ever seen.” They married when she was 19 and lived together for 65 years. And even died the same week.
Hello Eamon,
Thanks for sharing your wonderful poem. Very moving, humane and touching.
Keeping living the dream ✊
Eamon, I love your poem. I have gone through similiar emotions during the pandemic, talking to two daughters about living and health care wills.
I am 78 and still living the dream, by raising orchids and volunteering in my community and the district court. I don’t quite feel 18 again but 37 was a very vital year for me and I wish I could dance the way I did then. Long live Rock and Roll.
That’s me Paula. I drive a mobility scooter and wonder where the Harley is??? Thank you
Very moving, Eamon.
Well done.
Thank you Amy
I too have been putting information together for my daughters lest anything happen to us. Was doing it anyway but this has spurred me on. The loving thing to do, I think, so less hassle for them when you’re gone.
Yes Mary, the things that spur us to write are varied and strange. I was taken to hospital with the virus suspected. Luckily, I was all clear but it focused my mind. Thanks fir the read and the comment. Eamon
Yep resonated. Well done.
Thank you so much Carmel
“Wondering if my life was that clinical”
Who among us, irrespective of age, has not, when confronting the white Will page, pondered
this searching question.
It is this honest confrontation which gels this writing; despatches it into one’s memory; and for that reason, I like this poem.
Michael
Thanks Michael. Strange times bring strange thoughts. Thanking you.
I thought I’d commented, Eamon, but I don’t see it here. Anyway, I wanted to say what an honest and very moving poems this is. Thank you for sharing.
marion
Thank you kindly Marion. I think that you did comment on the radio link that I put up. Thank you, I appreciate that you took the time. Eamon
We were talking about this a couple of days ago. You’re right to add that final phrase. They’ll remember that if nothing else. Lovely poem.
Thanks Jane. I worried about making it soppy but wrote it in 20 min and apart from a little tweak I decided to leave it a bit raw, soppy and truthful. Thanks again. Eamon
Eamon, I meant to comment much sooner when I first read your poem but life got in the way, even in lockdown.
I have the forms all ready but not fully filled in and your poem is the spur.
I’m sure I met you in the Molly Keane House a couple of years ago. Great memories of normal times when people went to poetry workshops, sat around and discussed each others efforts. Roll on those times again!
Thank you so much. Yes we met at Molly Keane’s in better times. Keep well and thanks again
Great work Eamonn and I enjoyed your bio as much as the poem!
Hello Eamonn,
I enjoyed your poem and comments. I’m 71 and sometimes inhabit the mind of an eighteen old when writing…