The Woodcutters’ Son

I dedicate this to my eternal friend Jason Brown
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In the Irish town of Donegal, almost thirty years ago;
There lived the lovely Brown family, that many got to know!
The father was a Forester, tending woodlands round the town;
Then on weekends he did gardening, for large houses all around!
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Every morning before he left for work, he served his dear wife tea in bed;
A ritual that enriched their love, a secret since they had wed!
Besides his wife, his love was aimed, at Jason, his dear son;
And Jason loved his Daddy too, e’er since his life had there begun!
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When Jason started his school career, the teacher asked each kid;
To stand up and tell their classmates, the work their father did!
When it was his turn Jason rose up, remembering a fairy tale book he had;
Thinking they would not understand a “Forester”, he said “A Woodcutter is my Dad”!
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In the Summers Jason would wait for him, on a hill above their house;
He’d hear him chatting with George and Willy, such happiness aroused!
They were riding on their bicycles, with laughter and some jokes;
The Lughnasa sunshine reflecting, off their silver spinning spokes!
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When his Dad came up to greet him, with an effort free embrace;
He’d lift Jason to the saddle, whilst kissing his little face!
The wheels and bike would vibrate, as they descended down stone stairs;
Jasons’ favorite part of their excursion, a loving son and father pair!
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On Friday, he’d take out all his earnings, placing the envelope in Jasons’ hands;
Then go give it to your Mommy, and say “It’s from her loving man!
In the evening after supper, he’d turn on his radio;
He’d fall asleep so soundly, in the old armchair where he would go!
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Sometimes before his slumber, he’d take Jason on his knee;
He would pull him close and hug him, Jason’s favorite spot to be!
Oft times while Dad was working, he would commandeer the chair;
Sitting in it for several hours, even though it was threadbare!
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In Ireland there is a tradition, much like our Halloween;
They call it Oiche Shamhna, many centuries has it seen!
The children all wear costumes, and go begging door to door;
With tunes and verse reciting, the Townfolk them adore!
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Their main fare was the Bairin Breac, a cake with raisins and some grapes;
Inside were various items, each one predicting someones’ fate!
A ring meant you’d soon be married, a twig telling of its woes;
A coin meant you’d be wealthy, but a cloth you’d wear rags for clothes!
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Just like us, they bob for apples, mixed with oranges, pears and nuts;
The task is not so easy, and they get soaked right to their butts!
After Jason turned just ten years old, his Father early did retire;
A few days before this Holiday, on a Friday, difficult respire!
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To Jason this was a blessing, much more time he’d spend with Dad;
Who would never have to work again, as for so long he already had!
But that day he was not feeling well, so to the clinic did he head;
They had a party for him that evening, then exhausted, they went to bed!
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But just a short time later, his Mother brought him to Fathers’ side;
Draped in heavy woolen blankets, smooth breathing oft denied!
He reached down underneath his bedsheet, and squeezed his Fathers’ foot;
Thinking he’d be better in the morning, everything then be good!
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They all congregated in the kitchen, as someone went the Doctor bring;
With tears they waited anxiously, but soon their hearts would sting!
She came just after four a.m., and raced up the creaky stairs;
She nodded to them solemnly, when she saw their anxious stares!
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A few minutes later the floorboards ceased, to make their sullen sounds;
The Doctor slowly came back down, as their hearts were all apound!
The stethoscope hung from her neck, short cropped hair upon her head;
With tear filled eyes, she said to them, “I’m so sorry, but he’s dead”!
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Those two words tore Jasons’ soul, putting end to his happy world;
Worse, he could not attend the funeral, his Fathers’ flag unfurled!
They told him of the funeral Rites, his Father then interred;
He listened with his broken heart, and eyes so teary blurred!
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                             Stillness too early
                        His Father passed away
                        Then came the silence