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Noah Berlatsky's avatar

thanks for your kind words, evryone.

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Me's avatar

Noah I feel for you. I lost my dad years ago and my stepdad more recently. But what really struck a nerve was your second poem. My mom, still living, has been a source of love and pain for my whole life. She is famous for her unhinged tirades (sometimes racist) and telling people "the hard truth". I have fashioned my life and persona differently. But sometimes when I go off on a rant or rage I hear her in my own voice. In my family we jokingly refer to my moments of possession as "the crazy Chinese lady" as my mother is the OG crazy Chinese lady. I'm sure that when I lose my mom her voice in my own mouth will continue to haunt me.

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macwithhisbooks's avatar

The second poem about "your father's voice" reminds me.

I hear my grandmother's voice.

She was her own narrator on The Grandmother Show.

She did a musical track also. Humming while doing projects.

New toys in the toy room. A special snack or butterscotch candy standing by. "Fried Worms" she would announce as she put spaghetti for lunch.

I find myself doing the Mac Show at walmart. Loud musical noises while wandering.

Announcing happily, "Ah, There you are", as I track down some item.

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Teresa Ritterhoff's avatar

I lost my querulous dad almost two years ago, when he was 81, and miss his rants every day, never more than when teeing up one of my own.

May your dad’s memory be a blessing.

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Myra Donnelley's avatar

I am so sorry for your loss.

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Ann Panda's avatar

Oh Noah, I'm so sorry about your dad! May his memory be a blessing.

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Terry O'Neill's avatar

So sorry for your loss, Noah. I’m sure you know that all of us who follow / subscribe to your work are holding you in tender care right now. Be well and feel the love. ❤️‍🩹

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EchidnaMedia's avatar

I myself am 82 and know my children will be heartbroken when I die. I wish there were something I could do to help.

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mermcoelho's avatar

In my experience, knowing it’s coming doesn’t make it hurt less. Thank you for sharing the poetry. I can relate to both.

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Karin's avatar

I'm so sorry for your loss, may his memory be a blessing.

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Stephen Robinson's avatar

So sorry for your loss, my friend

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Mark Tomko's avatar

So sorry for your loss. May his memory be for a blessing.

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WorldTraveler's avatar

Sending condolences to you and your family, Noah. May his memory forever be a blessing.

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David Perlmutter's avatar

You have my sympathy.

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Linda G.'s avatar

Thank you for being willing to share your loss and the poems that will help many of us.

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The Price of it All's avatar

So sorry for your loss ❤️💔

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