Friday, July 03, 2009

Happy 4th of July

To all of you...

My computer and household are finally running as they should.

Schmoop and I wish you a very safe and very Happy 4th of July.

While I have to work tonight...

Schmoop and I are going to be spending Saturday at Marte's house enjoying a two kegger.

I hope you all have as much fun as we plan on having, and I leave you with this...

My dad wrote the following poem as part of his second book and a play (Two Hundred Summers) that he wrote.

It's titled, Bicentennial, July 4th, 1976...

The gates are open
somber, still;
the blade-grass quivers
on the hill.
A single robin
claims the crest;
the flowers in summer hues
are dressed.

The weathered columns
all look down
on marble slabs
that kiss the ground.
The names and dates
are graven deep,
two hundred summers
lie asleep.

The crowd is silent
standing there;
a priest intones
a solemn prayer.
The speaker dwells
on death and life,
and speaks of distant
drum and fife.

The chapel bell
in memory rings;
the choir, stirring
anthem sings.
The benediction's
slowly read;
the crowd departs,
the amen's said.

The hallowed ground
seeks love and rest,
for those it seals
within its breast;
July's green hills
their echoes keep;
two hundred summers lie asleep
.


Jack Mahoney (C)1981

Have a great 4th everyone...And by the way...The rug burns left on Schmoop's knees from the new carpet are so Salvador Dali-like.

Cheers!!

18 comments:

Jeff B said...

I think I say something similar each time you share words from your father, but it bears repeating; He had a great way with words.

Happy 4th to you and Schmoop!

Michele said...

I usually am poetically challenged but your fathers poetry really speaks to me. Thanks for sharing it.

Happy 4th Matt and Schmoop!

Cheesy said...

Be safe!

Desert Songbird said...

I love your father's poet soul. It touches me deeply.

Happy 4th to you and Schmoop; be sure not to get too bombed!

Schmoop said...

Jeff: He was pretty damned good and loved History. Have a great weekend Jeff. Cheers!!

Michele: Not only do his words speak to me, HE actually speaks to me, which is creepy 'cause he's been dead for over ten years. Cheers Michele!!

Cheesy: No way. I'm going ot be reckless. Cheers Cheesy!!

Schmoop said...

Songbird: You said "touches me deeply". Hee Hee. Have wunnerful weekend. Cheers!!

David said...

Happy 4th - Cheers!

Schmoop said...

David: Right back atcha David. Cheers!!

Liz Hill said...

Happy 4th to you and Schmoop!

Your Dad's poetry is wonderful Matty--thank you fr sharing.

Schmoop said...

TB: Thanks. You and Mister Man have a fun filled 4th as well. Cheers Sexy!!

Real Live Lesbian said...

Happy Independence Day to you, too! Thanks for sharing the poem...wonderful words.

Schmoop said...

RLL: Have a lovely weekend as well, Sexy. Cheers to ya!!

Dianne said...

two hundred summers lie asleep ... your Dad had a beautiful soul Matty

as you do

Happy and Safe 4th
and an extra hug to Schmoop

Schmoop said...

Dianne: He was good guy. As for the extra hug for Schmoop?

Mmmmmmm...Seeing your breasts pressed against Schmoop's? If I saw that, there would be fireworks going off in my pants. Cheers Sexy!!

Travis Cody said...

Thank you for sharing that incredible poem.

Happy 4th!

Schmoop said...

Travis: Same to you and Pam. Cheers Trav!!

katherine. said...

playing catch-up

I always appreciate you sharing your Dad's words.

I have no doubt you enjoy(ed) your Independence....

Schmoop said...

Kat: Thanks. And yes, we had a pretty good weekend. Cheers!!