The bell tolled for my father's father, And it fell heavy upon the hearts, Of each member created by his love, When the grave hour became, An inescapable reality to each, In his own, I cried in lamentation, Not so much for him, but for me, Because with his passing, the days grew shorter, the night became darker, And the flowers lost their fragrance. For the last time, I held my innocence. As Death touched him, I too was touched. And a part of myself died with him. 'Sleep, sleep on, quiet child, Wish I were as meek and mild, As you are, wonder I whence, Went such sweet innocence'
Reason for writing:
In fond memory of Manuel S. Henriques 1888-1972, born in
the Azores, Portugal, lived in Kauai, Hawaii, father of many
and a father figure within Hawaiian history, dedicated father,
a gift of language and voice, and became a US House of
Representatives, congressman during the Territorial and days
after Statehood.
Birth sign: Not entered
You need to log in to edit this poem if it is yours.
View more poems by Lawrence J. Henriques, the Snowman.