Now and Then - for Sunday Scribblings

The topic for Sunday Scribblings this week is “Now and Then.” I wanted to think of something happy and fun, but the only topic evoked in me was a longing for my father. I wish I were a songwriter who could pen a tune, but that’s been done before. I wish I were more eloquent so I could author a poem worthy of his memory. But, as it is, I simply present the thoughts from my mind.


Now and then…
The sadness creeps up on me.
As fresh and raw as if it were yesterday.
I am empty with loss.
The earth sits motionless on its axis.

Now and then…
I wish I could see your face again.
Talk to you.
Show you pictures.
Share your wisdom.
Record your memories.
I wonder how life would have been,
If you had lived.

Now and then I wonder…
Would different choices be mine these past few years?
The stories you could share,
The influence of your knowledge,
Your example for the grandkids,
And mom, a different person without you.

And now and then…
I’m okay; I’m strong; I’m fine.

Now and then…
I can forget the way you died.
Suddenly,
Without warning,
Unanticipated and too soon.
And I know I can never forget.
But now and then, I won’t remember.

Mostly now, there’s a hole in the universe where you should be.


In Loving Memory of my Father

L. D. Rankin

3/14/35 – 10/10/04

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