My Father's Poems: April 17, 2022

Daily Diary, Day 595: 1016 words written yesterday. Yahoo! So my decision to start my week on Saturdays has worked so far. Also got my second walk in, and I was feeling so pumped by the productivity that I walked for 30 mins rather than 20. Now let's see if I can duplicate my success today. The photo is of a beautiful rose I saw on that second walk that seemed almost on fire, the colors were so vibrant. Also, as promised, I'm giving you another poem from my father on this Sunday.

APPRENTICE

I still use you, Dad.

There in your Alley Garage
that was your work-place;
there, on the lot of ashes
back of ancient house
was my safe place
for making believe.

Your presence was there.

Genie of technical skills
master of wrenches and ratchets,
test lights and camber
and caster and toe-in.

I still use you, Dad.

Your mastery of broken things
lingers in fairness,
in humor, and in
a gentleness of thought.

Joseph Locke