A Father’s Day Wish…

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Growing up, I was told repeatedly that my father played the piano like a professional, describing the joy he felt and how he managed to transmit his joy to anyone who heard him.

I have the abiding image of him in his army uniform, huge boots beating the floor in time with the music. Unfortunately, I never met him, as he was lost in the war when I was a baby, but I wish so much that I had.

I have been told that I am just like him. He was tall and liked to build and mend things, always good with his hands with unending patience. Sounds just like me!

The one thing I didn’t get was his talent on the piano. I know it is inside me somewhere, for I can feel it and sometimes the feeling is so strong, I think I could sit down at a piano and miraculously start playing. But with the best will in the world, I can’t, and is one of the strongest regrets in my life.

Music has always been my passion and my inspiration, and some of my favourite pieces are piano concertos. I still wish I could learn how to play, even now, at 76 years old.

I did try to learn when I was younger. I learned how to read music and could play simple tunes with my right hand. But my brain drew the line at both hands on the keys, refusing to let my right hand play the different notes. I am one of those people they say couldn’t walk and chew gum, and I suppose I am. That party game where you try to pat your head and rub your stomach at the same time is impossible for me. Sounds easy, doesn’t it? Just try it and see how hard it is.

In my life, I have encountered many things I wanted to learn but had to walk away from, much to my disappointment. My ego has been subjected to so much frustration during my life, and even though I eventually have to give up on things, the desire remains.

I have always insisted that you should be able to learn anything, given the right instruction and determination. However, I have discovered it isn’t possible, and have had to admit defeat on so many occasions.

I am sorry that I never met my father but sadder still that I cannot play the piano as he did.

I am sorry dad, I did try…

#SilentSunday…

( This is the closest to heaven I am likely to get for a while… )

 

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Hayling Island:  Image by Jaye Marie

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Hayling Island :  Image by Jaye Marie

#SilentSunday… Memories of Lyme Regis…

 

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Lyme Regis : Image by Jaye Marie

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Lyme Regis : Image by Jaye Marie

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Lyme Regis : image by Jaye Marie

 

Worn Out Shoes…

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Image by brisch27 from Pixabay

My husband wore his shoes out at an alarming rate, as if they were made of paper.

He always had holes in the middle of his soles.

I tried to convince him that rubber soles would last longer, but he insisted on leather.

One afternoon, waiting in the repair shop, an elderly gentleman standing beside me leaned over and said, ‘The owner of those shoes will never be rich. It’s real bad luck to have a man like that.’

Turns out that gentleman was right.

As for myself, I wear comfortable shoes that don’t wear out, they grow old like me…

 

©anitadawes 2020

 

 

My Favourite Journey… Carrot Ranch Literary Community 99 word Photo Prompt

February 27: Flash Fiction Challenge

 

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My Favourite Journey

The road to Tintagel

My favourite journey

The small towns and villages

we pass along the way

we stop as often as we can

check things out

learn a thing or two

along the way.

the long leafy lanes

where you can only see

blue skies, birds.

when the hedgerows lower

fields of green, yellow

sheep happily grazing

the world laid out

like a patchwork quilt

that goes on forever.

we pass Stonehenge

give a salute to the old stones

still standing

as much as I want to reach

journeys end

I wish it would go on forever please…

©anitadawes 2020

Summer Days… #Poetry

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Image by Pixabay.com

 

Summer Days

Battersea Park

My childhood playground

Boating lake, paddling pool

Splash and laugh all day

Buy a bag of chips

On the way home

Wrapped in newspaper

that did not stain your hands

making the chips taste all the better

treasured moments now

I remember them too often

Wishing I could turn the clock back

For just one day…

©anitadawes 2020