Poetry for partings - He Leaves & Apart
One for the traveling, busy father who must go, leaving his sleeping children in their beds, and one for the wife who waits for him at home. These were written for a friend, but I've known so many families who go through this in one form or another, even my own parents in the past.
He Leaves on Another Journey
In the cool, dark hours
I sometimes have to leave so early,
You are still sleeping...
Your sweet face among your tumbled locks, parted lips peacefully breathing.
I gently smooth back your hair, give a soft parting kiss to your forehead.
You will not remember it, but there it is.
Perhaps it is more for me.
I want you to know that I love you,
More than you will ever know, unless someday
You should be blessed with children of your own.
You are my life.
I want you to know when you see me on tv,
That my heart remembers that you are waving to me,
Even though I can’t see it -
I know it. I can hear your excited voices -
Yes, here I am, sweetheart. Here’s Daddy.
I’ll be home again soon. Remember that I love you.
I am only free to reach for my dreams
Because I know my heart is safely carried with you.
Our home is in my heart. I carry you with me, in my heart each day.
No matter where I am.
Draw me a picture. Save a sleepy smile for me.
There is no treasure a man could cherish more than
I cherish
You.
-
Apart
In the long, still hours when the children are asleep,
In the quiet times when the lace-patterned sun
Moves warmly across the floor,
When the moonlight brushes soft shadows in the dark.
Close your eyes and remember.
Be at peace among the everblooming flowers and
Cherished pictures framed forever
In your mind.
There will never pass a day where he does not
Think of you.
Open your arms to gather in sweet blessings;
They will overflow your arms,
Lay piled softly about your feet.
When the days are long, or lonely
Take up this gentle courage;
Hold them gathered to your heart,
Soft rose-petal handfuls.
Breathe deeply of the sweet times
And recall the foundation of your love.
For there will
Never
Pass a day where he does not think of
You.
-
He Leaves on Another Journey
In the cool, dark hours
I sometimes have to leave so early,
You are still sleeping...
Your sweet face among your tumbled locks, parted lips peacefully breathing.
I gently smooth back your hair, give a soft parting kiss to your forehead.
You will not remember it, but there it is.
Perhaps it is more for me.
I want you to know that I love you,
More than you will ever know, unless someday
You should be blessed with children of your own.
You are my life.
I want you to know when you see me on tv,
That my heart remembers that you are waving to me,
Even though I can’t see it -
I know it. I can hear your excited voices -
Yes, here I am, sweetheart. Here’s Daddy.
I’ll be home again soon. Remember that I love you.
I am only free to reach for my dreams
Because I know my heart is safely carried with you.
Our home is in my heart. I carry you with me, in my heart each day.
No matter where I am.
Draw me a picture. Save a sleepy smile for me.
There is no treasure a man could cherish more than
I cherish
You.
-
Apart
In the long, still hours when the children are asleep,
In the quiet times when the lace-patterned sun
Moves warmly across the floor,
When the moonlight brushes soft shadows in the dark.
Close your eyes and remember.
Be at peace among the everblooming flowers and
Cherished pictures framed forever
In your mind.
There will never pass a day where he does not
Think of you.
Open your arms to gather in sweet blessings;
They will overflow your arms,
Lay piled softly about your feet.
When the days are long, or lonely
Take up this gentle courage;
Hold them gathered to your heart,
Soft rose-petal handfuls.
Breathe deeply of the sweet times
And recall the foundation of your love.
For there will
Never
Pass a day where he does not think of
You.
-