I was in a bit of a quandary in regards to today’s HNT posting.
You see, today, my dad would have been 87 years old.
He has been gone nearly ten years, and I wanted to do something for his birthday.
I wondered to my self…
“Self? Is there a way to give a shout out to Dad AND do a HNT post without it being tacky?”
I’ll let you guys decide if I managed exactly that.
The following poem appeared in his second poetry book, Credo.
It is about how many of us often times lose sight of what is good in life, as we drearily drown in our drab, commuter world existence.
Prisoner of the Freeway
Let him,
who in the course of things,
denies those parts of earth
which life holds dear,
go forth,
amid the solitary loneliness of his own mind,
bearing with him
the sterile satisfaction
of a sightless vision,
that perceives only the concrete ribbons,
which encircle his red-green-amber world.
Never for him
the benediction of silent skies,
nor the prayers of trees,
gold-dipped in Autumn;
only the smug beatitudes
of his dust to dust existence,
and the false baptism of tears
shed only in laughter.
©1981 JJM
Happy Birthday Dad…I am off today, so I’ll be drinking more than a few in your honor.
As for the rest of you hooligans, Happy Half-Nekkid Thursday!!
Cheers!!
104 comments:
Wow! Just wow! Wonderful tribute to your father, and the pic does a wonderful job of capturing the mood of the poem. This is by far your best HNT (not that I didn't thoroughly enjoy your ass)!
That was very nice. And to think, I chased Jasmine out of the room when I read Half-Nekkid.
it's wonderful that you have his poems to share...and the photo is perfect for the poem.
the second paragraph is very powerful
(although for some reason I keep thinking..."have you ever seen a grown man naked....?")
Dana: Thanks very much...He was a great guy. And by the way, my ass wants to meet you. ;)~ Cheers!!
Marilyn: Hiya Buddy. See? I can be poignant. Did I spell that correctly? Cheers Marilyn!!
Kat: The second paragraph is very well written indeed. Thanks, and yeah, it is sometimes hard to ignore my other inane posts isn't it? Cheers Kat!!
That's actually kinda the opposite of tacky. I don't want to say I'm surprised or anything but, well, I'm a bit surprised really. ;-)
The poem is really wonderful!
Jay: I appreciate that. That was, well, sweet. Thanks and Cheers, Jay!!
Beautifully done, my friend!
Have a great day.
CrAzy: Why thanks, Tish. Cheers to you!!
Another great poem, I do so hope you'll continute to share more of his work.
And the photo does go quite perfectly with it, who would've guessed that you could pull of non-tacky? ;)
HHNT!
Covert: Ha. Thanks. I have my non-tacky moments. HHNT and Cheers Sweet Thing!!
That is so sweet. HappyHNT
I'm speechless. Very beautiful...very beautiful indeed.
Vixen: Thank Ya...HHNT and Cheers to you Vixen!!
Ms. I: Thanks, and Rowwwrrrr. Cheers to ya!!
"...tears shed only in laughter."
That's an amazing poem.
Happy Birthday to your father. I'm sorry you are celebrating in memory of him, Matt, but I think he would grin at the way you ARE celebrating. Sounds like he would appreciate your quest for laughter in your life.
Be blessed!
Jennifer
For once, Sir Matt-Man, I am glad that I forgot (as usual) that today was HNT-day. This is an exquisite post, sir!
Aww! That is so very sweet of you, I'm sure he would be pleased. I think this was a wonderful tribute to him. =)
just wonderful! love the poem and the picture it very tastful as well as sets the tone for the poem. HHNT
Success is your Matt-Man. Perfect choice with the b&w as well as your expression, even the earring. Now had you shown nipplage that would have been the undoing of it all. Well done.
P.S. Your Pops poem rocked.
That poem is exellent.
Is "Credo" by JJM, or any of his other works available to the rest of us hooligans?
Jen: Aww it's okay he lived a full life. But thanks for the words. Cheers!!
Nick: Ha. That was very kind of you Nick. Cheers and have a great day!!
Amorous: Thanks alot. Add always nice to see you drop by. Cheers!!
Naughty: Thank you hot stuff, I shall be round your way today. Cheers!!
Lu: I think I got just lucky enough to capture a good one. And yes, that poem is one of my favortites. Cheers Lu!!
Micky: He had that one and his first book, was called Irish Coffee, neither are still in print. If I come across an extra copy of either, I'll send one your way. Cheers!!
Happy Birthday Matt's Dad. Beautiful poem and the pic goes perfectly. Thanks for sharing that.
Peace
What a Wonderful Tribute to your Dad. For you to share his Birthday and his Poetry with us today was a very sweet gesture. I am sure he is smiling down upon you and very proud also. :-) I also really love this picture of you. It has a deepness to it, thought provoking so to speak. It blends perfectly with your post.
Hugs to you my friend,
Kimmie
Odat: Anytime Odat and thanks. Cheers!!
Kimmie: Why thank ya much. I look so HAWT in black and white. Ha. Cheers!!
Wonderful words from dad...
WAIT...is THIS why Ryno asked if we had ever seen a grown man naked??????
Bond: Thanks, and noooo, silly man. Cheers!!
Very nice tribute! HHNT! :)
A lovely tribute to a great man! And the picture...RAWR!!
Fairy: I appreciate that. Cheers and HHNT to you too!!
Schmoop: Rawrrrrrrr right back at ya. Flesh-Fest tonight? Cheers!!
You know it baybee!!!
Great tribute to your Dad Matt. I feel that poem, very well written. Your Dad did a fine job.
Leaky Happy Eyes are the bestest!
Enjoy your day kiddo and tip one up for Dad from me!
Schmoop: Sweet. Even though I am off all day, I'll try to stay sober enough to get it up. Cheers!!
Roger: Thank ya Raj. He was a good egg. Cheers!!
Cheesy: I will certainly do that for ya lovely one. Cheers!!
Well damn....
I hate it when I can't come up with anything sarcastic.
Beautiful tribute and very nice picture! Can you come to Maryland and drive around naked?
Leighann: I'll write this date down. Cheers!!
Biscuit: Thanks, and I'll gas up and be right over. Rowwwr. Cheers!!
You know how I feel about your juicy brats and your buns but this was a lovely tribute to your father. Have a great day, babe!
Very well done. You definitely found the right way to mix the two events. Have a great day off!
I love this photo of you, Matt! And Happy Birthday Dad!!! :)
I hope you're doing well!
I'm back blogging. Did you think I'd stay away that long? I'll be pestering you more frequently.
You've been forewarned. Missed reading your blog!
Three generations in two posts and all I can say is, Wow. What an incredible gene pool you are swimming in.
I think you pulled it of quite nicely. No...not your shirt, the poem.
I've enjoyed the couple of things you've sharred from him.
knight beat me to it! I was going to say how wonderful it was that yesterday was you being all proud of Ryno and today is you being all proud of Dad!
I love the photo, made even more tender by the use of B&W
ya know how ya felt all warm and fuzzy when sharing Ryno's brillance with us? well I know your Dad feels the same about you.
cheers matt-man - ya did good.
*clink* Cheers to Dad's memory.
You should share more of his poetry. It's great!
Nicely done, Matty me boy. Nicely done. Your Da had such a wonderful talent.
(Your Da was born in 1921? Mine was born in 1924.)
Awesome job you did with this Matt - your dad seemed to be a wonderful man.
Now about that earring - dude, we need to chat.
;-)
Awesome poem, Matt. Your dad truly got it, if you know what I mean. And naked in the car is nice symbolism for the poem. And the shades rock!
Wonderful tribute to your dad - cute photo :) thoroughly enjoyed the poem you chose! Hugs! Happy HNT!!!!
Wonderful tribute to your dad - cute photo :) thoroughly enjoyed the poem you chose! Hugs! Happy HNT!!!!
What a touching tribute. Thanks for sharing that. HHNT!
...killer batch o' words by yer pa, M2...
Wait..maybe Schmoop prefers you drunk for flesh-fests....
Deb: Thanks and Thank God you're back. I have missed you as well hot stuff. Cheers!!
Knight: Ha. Thanks Care to join me in my pool? Cheers!!
Jeff: Thank you kind sir. Cheers!!
Dianne: That was sweet of you to sat, thanks. Cheers Di!!
Metal: I will certianly being doing just that. Cheers!!
Songbird: Yep. Both Mom and Dad were born that year. Cheers!!
Tug: Thanks and Ha. I have had that earring for twenty years, I can't let it go now. Cheers!!
Starr: Naked raw emotion. Thanks Starr and Cheers!!
Baby: Thank you and thanks fro coming 'round. Cheers!!
G&S: My pleasure I am glad you cam eby to read it. Cheers!!
Phfankie: Ha. Nice way to put it. Cheers P-Man!!
Bond: No. SHE prefers to be drunk, helps combat my repulsiveness. Cheers!!
:0
Tug: Ha...What? You don't like it? Cheers!!
It's just that I don't think I have earrings that um......... girlie?
**ducks & runs**
Tug: I am more than man enough to let my feminine side show ; )~ Cheers!!
ooh baby ooh baby!!
I like the earring. But I also like guyliner =)
Now I wanna see you in full Adam Ant regalia, Matt! Ooooh...and Schmoop could dress up like the chick in the Goody Two Shoes vid :P
Tug: ; )
Starr: I like Adam Ant, but you have unwittingly already given me an idea for a future HNT post.
But that chick in the video was smokin' hot. She had a really nice thigh. Cheers!!
Should I start apologizing to your readers now :P
Starr: Oh I don't know...It could go either way as to whether they will like it or be totally horrified. Cheers!!
When is this happening, I am putting an alert in Outlook ;)
Starr: Ha. Not sure yet,, I need to buy a couple of things first. By the way, you had the 69th comment. Rowwrr. Cheers!!
Kismet!
Guess what my birthday is?
2 -8 - 69.
Say that outloud :P
That is great! I will be having a cocktail in dad's honor tonight. :)
Karen: Sweet!! Enjoy the drink Karen. Cheers!!
Starr: HA!! Cheers!!
Starr's birthday - how fortuitous.
Or prophetic. Pick one.
Or prophylactic :P
I tip my glass at your tasteful HNT and to your father's superb poetry!
that is some excellent prose...really very good. Ok..things are starting to fall into place. I can see this trickle down talent. Dad was amazing. You are pretty amazing too and Ryan..well you can see that he too...will be amazing. Thanks for sharing your Dad with us. Happy BIrthday!
and you? all Black and white...very tasteful and might I add...HOT! You are too cute!
HUGS!
Songbird: I think both. Cheers!!
Starr: You are quick witted. Cheers!!
Sassy: Why thank ya, tippin' mine right back at ya Sassy. Cheers!!
Leelee: Ha. Thanks. Just think, I could have been a majorly hot TV star in the 50's...All black and white, n'shit. Cheers Cutie!!
Yeah Adam ANT fits...if we are talking your genitalia...
bwahahahahahahahahahahahhaahahhaha
Bond: Vinny, I know you want to see my cock, but trying to shame me into doing it, ain't gonna work. Cheers!!
Bond & Matt, you 2 sound like an old married couple. ;-)
Haven't we been here before, boys? Come on now, Desert and I can surely find a ruler between the two of us and we can settle this like grown children :P
Tug: Seriously...He couldn't be that lucky. Cheers!!
Starr: Would you mind spanking me with the aforementioned ruler? Cheers!!
Great tribute to your Dad... I Loved the picture to... Your such a cutie!
HHNT!
Naughty: Rowwrrrr. Thanks. And thanks for stopping by K. Cheers!!
OK, looked at that picture closer...either it was raining in Bagwine or you were going through the car wash naked with the windows open to cleanse yourself for tonight's Flesh-fest...which was it....
Never would i shame you...they do not call me BIG Bond for nothing!
Bond: I have always heard that Italians were big balled and no dick...That's why they have lost so many wars. Start fast, and can't finish the job. Cheers!!
Who's Your Mommy!
Honestly? I am too lazy to be a good Dom. I'd be all..."yeah, lick the boot, bad doggie...what's that song on the radio?..."
And thanks for making me choke on my Diversity Luncheon Foods of Africa mango beverage with the big balled no dick comment :P
Starr: There is something arousing about you saying, "Thanks for making me choke..." Cheers!!
I love the poem. But then my brain blew up. I'm not used to thinking that hard.
The HNT shot is perfect for the poem.
See...I told you my brain blew up.
Happy Birthday to the Dad. He was obviously an amazing man.
*snort*
As if! You think I am some amateur:P
Your dad was cool. I can picture him now sitting at the end of the kitchen table with his shot glass. I cant even remember him any other way!!
RLL: Thanks, you're the best, RLL. Cheers to ya!!
Starr: Not at all,, I have always have pegged you as a "pro". CHeers Dear!!
Sherri: Be Still My Heart. Ha. You are so right. Thanks for commenting, dear. Okay so, dear may be a bit retrospective, but I meant it. Cheers, Sherri, and thanks!!
And by the way, my Dad always thought you were funny...
I absolutely love the imagery of "concrete ribbons, which encircle his red-green-amber world" and "trees, gold-dipped in Autumn."
I read the poem, re-read it, and then read it aloud. It is truly marvelous.
I can see the reflection of your camera in your glasses - it is a terrific photo. Your whole post is beautiful, today.
Happy Birthday to your father - I know you miss him and it is lovely that you so honor his memory.
Enjoy your fleshfest with Schmoop, m'dear! *wink*
Desert Rat: My fave line is one you spoke..."trees, gold dipped in Autumn."
Thanks and Cheers, Rat!!
I'm beginning to understand Dana's crush on you! Very apt tribute, and not in any way tacky. I hope it wouldn't be too forward to say that I think your Dad would be proud.
I really enjoyed your father's poem, he had quite a talent & I'm so glad you shared it. The imagery & pacing are so powerful.
Wonderful tribute, Matt. You must be so proud of him.
Boo: Dana'a a sweetie!! Thanks for your comment, Boo. Have a great day and Cheers!!
Jo: Thanks alot. Yeah, that is one of my faves by him for the reasons you mentioned. Cheers!!
Awwwww. This is really really awesome. : ) Absolutely touching! Happy Very Sweet Bday Tribute HNT 2 U ; ) And I hope U enjoyed the drinks! : D
Wow--I get stupid busy and you do a really awesome HNT.
I really like your dad's stuff.
Hmm--that sounds a little naughty;-)
Smooch!
Smile: Thanks. The drinks were smooth. Have a great weekend. Cheers!!
TB: It happens. More and more so to me as well. Sheesh. That was naughty...why I oughta...Cheers TB!!
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