Joyful Play
With arms outstretched, I whirl around
Floating, spinning above the ground.
Tiny feet dance on large shiny shoes,
Piggy back rides with giants amuse.
As I ride the waves on the back of a whale,
Now thrown off, high in the air I sail!
And on the sandy beach we bury our treasure,
With squeals of delight in castles of pleasure.
These moments delight each one is immeasurable,
Through the years repeated with love unforgettable.
Time seemed endless in those blissful days,
Of fond memories in joyful play!
© Donna Donabella 2015
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My dad’s birthday is Tuesday. He would have been 86, but died at the young age of 68 from the most horrific early onset Alzheimer’s disease. He suffered 15 years with this awful monster.
But I remember him now as an Easter baby full of joy, kindness and always playful. My mother called him her fifth kid. Last week’s poem spoke of the pain of his loss, but I choose to remember his life of joyful play in this week’s poem.
Many of the memories in the poem are fun times spent with my dad, especially at the Jersey Shore growing up.
I am joining in with Poets United for their weekly poetry link up for poets who blog. Visit them to read some more wonderful verse.
I am also linking in with the I Heart Macro meme hosted by Laura@Shine The Divine that happens every Saturday, and with Judith@Lavender Cottage who is hosting Mosaic Monday.
If you enjoy reading this blog, I welcome you to share it with others. I enjoy spreading the blog love, and I appreciate all who come and read my blogs.
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Special Note: As I reminisce about playing as a child, I am showcasing pictures of my dad. In the top photo, he is pictured on the left as a 10 yr old boy in Philadelphia, PA. The collage shows him as a teen with his godson, his older brother’s first born. And as a young man just newly engaged.
The last photo, below, is of us kids (my sibs) with my best friend Cindy on the right in the striped pants. I’m in the middle (about 5 yrs old) on the left with that head of unruly, curly, dark brown hair. We grew up in Philadelphia until we moved about a year after this picture was taken. My dad would take us to the park on weekends while my mom worked as a nurse. He called us the Motley Crew.
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I leave you with a few words about joyful play. I welcome you to download the photo and share it.
All other photos and original content is copyrighted and the sole property of Donna Donabella @ Living From Happiness, 2014-2015. Any reprints or use of other photos or content is by permission only.