Poems

I Suspect He Knew: A Poem

One thing

I think is a shame

is that he didn’t know me

as a poet.

For if he had,

we could have had a chat

about the index cards

he kept tucked

in his front pocket,

pen close by

And we could have had a laugh

about whether they were all really

to-do lists

and people’s names,

important facts and figures

Or whether an

occasional phrase

that hovered

between the now

got through

I only wish

I had started

writing poetry

when he was here.

Somehow,

I suspect,

even if it wasn’t happening

to me yet

and my writing was different than his.

Somehow,

I suspect

he knew.

This is an excerpt from Laurie’s book Leap With Me: A Creative Path to Finding and Following Your Creative Voice.

© 2020 Laurie Smith. All Rights Reserved. Photo credit: Barbara Smith.

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2 Comments

Greg Smith says:

at

This is beautiful Laurie. I miss your Dad so much and often think about him. He always had a way of speaking that brought you into his soul that was calming and which I could always listen to without ever being distracted. I loved going to his church just to hear him speak and tell stories. When I close my eyes I can still hear him…Hope you and your family are staying healthy and safe..xo

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1. Laurie Smith says:
  
  at
  
  Thanks so much, Greg. It’s always so wonderful sharing memories with others who remember and loved him too. Hope you are staying safe too. Big hugs to all! xo
  
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