“Knight-Light”   One “knight-light” evening on the Ponderosa, my dad and I chose “First Knight” as our movie delight.   “Want to watch ‘First Knight, Dad?” I said with enjoyment.   I loved romance movies, I mean, what girl doesn’t?   My dad loved all types of movies from romance to action and adventure.   Yes! My dad liked romance!   He was a whimsical, romantic soul.   His pure heart was my mom’s, and my mom’s alone.   My dad’s dapper 1940’s soul flowed into his talk. With suit and tie and his hair slicked back, he resembled Clark Gable.   His stride took on noble Ben Cartwright from “Bonanza”.   My dad was my movie buddy, my “escape the world for two hours” comrade. My dad and I rarely talked during a movie.   He would be so enthralled, that you’d have to call his name over 10 times to get his mighty attention.   “Dad, dad, dad…”   He finally uttered loudly, “What?”   I’d sometimes look over at my bearded daddy to see if he was awake.   I’d ask faintly, “Dad, are you

Elite Basketball     Dusk settles on the red barn in the far distance.   Sunny sliver just tips sappy pine trees.   Still a smidge of light for competition plight!   A slight bouncing sound perks up the evening.   Dad and son, one-on-one, young versus young-at-heart.   Twist, hit, pebbles fly like darts!   A rocky driveway turned NBA basketball court.   Gravel and basketball, a unique recipe.   Heaves and haws, sighs and hollers, echo through the tall birch and oaks.   Peeking deer and wild turkeys are the captivated audience.   "Dad!” Joseph yells.   Young-at-heart steals the ball.   Slam dunk!   "Hey, Joseph!" dad cheers deeply.   Joseph rushes around my dad, trick, then, flick of the wrist.   Net ball!   My mom and I peer through the window, watching with intent.   Keys jingle, jangle on my dad's belt as he races pas s Joseph.   The keys shining like a sword attached to a knight.   "Dad, you can't do that!" Joseph commands with humor.  

Braveheart Love   In a warm, quaint living room, a dim light shadows the screened door overlooking country night bliss. The "flashlight moon" glows on the planks of the porch. A "Braveheart" sits with his quiet daughter. Mom and son gone, the cozy house wraps the two with daddy-daughter bond ribbons.   Chatting over peanut butter and vanilla wafers, my dad says, "Let's watch Braveheart."   My heart sinks a little, knowing all the violence that will appear. "Dad, make sure you tell me when the bad parts come on, so I can close my eyes." I said urgently. The evening strolls on, movie the night-light.   The "lantern moon" now glistened upon the window. Braveheart, William Wallace, is in true “Celtic love” with his lady of the Highlands.   A love finally tied, they marry in quiet, misty woodlands. A secret love never to be whispered in the twilight. Vows of passion are shared, hands caress, pledging “forever my dear”, till