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I Once Knew a Man





August 11th, 2008 will mark the 7th year anniversary of my dad's passing.  The journey of grief has taken my family and I to many places, through the shadowy woods trying to tread towards the light and standing in the sunshine with God's warmth upon us.  June 2013 was the year that my mom and I left our home in Michigan to be with my brother in Louisiana, who was pursuing a career in the oil field.  We needed a fresh start, a new beginning, a start of a peaceful chapter.  Michigan held many rooftop stamps (my dad owned his own roofing business) and camping "memory days".  Sweet memories bloomed everywhere, amongst the country and in the suburbs.  God decided that He wanted us to move to Houma, Louisiana, Cajun country, to build a new life. 

 My dad was an original Southern man, born and raised in Central Louisiana, a little town called Beaver (nope, don't even look on a map, because you won't find it).  Even though, I left my home in Michigan, I still feel close to my dad down here in crawfish parish.  Last year my family and I took a little road trip to Beaver.  Family still lives on the same land my dad once worked, picking cotton and hunting wiry, tusked hogs.  A rugged house and barn still stand, the seal of the O'Banion family.  My dad's grandpa and grandma once lived there, rising at dawn and working till dusk.  The land is riveted with Irish heritage and Christian values.  I could feel my dad's presence, running through the woods and over the sun-beaten land.  Just like the sun-beaten land, golden and rooted, my dad will be rooted in my heart forever.  I once knew a man, golden and shining with God, my dad.




I Once Knew a Man

I once knew a man
bearded, brawn, and angel-like strong
to whom my little ‘my daddy’ hand belonged
My brown eyes smitten with adoring glistens
when I looked upon his wisdom beard and prickly moustache
A daddy-daughter love as high as a red bird
perched upon bubbly pink trees
buzzing with warm fuzzy honey bees

I once knew a counselor
who lit with the fiery love for God
A math teacher, a spiritual preacher, a memory-day keeper
Holy Spirit bound, astute Bible seeker
He bellowed, bestowed king-like noble guidance
Tiny, timid feet, to his match I wanted to meet


I once knew a carpenter
who plowed, sowed, and abundantly reaped
Calloused hands creased with lines of love
Singer of the rooftops while the sun popped
upon beaten, dark colored skin
but, still casting a child-like grin

I once knew a righteous man
where four souls hung on his neck
Cherished hugs, kissy, red-pop pecks
flourished and nourished like a Smoky Mountain river
amid the country-side knotted oaks
Loving discipline sewed humble, humility coats

I once knew a gate-keeper
who loved, adored my mama so
He was keeper of the O’Banion clan
Shepherd of stately, emerald land
Plaid, woven shirts
Caps of blues and reds were his aura pleat
Mama in his soulmate locket
with a feisty smile,
“Come dear, hop in my flannel pocket!”

I once knew a peppy dad
Years of traveling, sparkling gypsies
Timeline of x’s and gorge of o’s!
My knight seen at the end of the forest road
Poppy picks and laughter cinnamon sticks
Chatty jokes and Southern gentleman charm
A protector, gallant shield, javelin to spear harm

I once knew a man
never solemn, but “run the race of bold!”
The finish line trimmed with gold and pearl did near
Appointed time had come on white horses, trampling fear
Angel wings caressed the dim lit wall
Eternal home, courageously he did go
My sweet, sweet dad, how I miss you so





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