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