Jax Blog #13 – And Now He's Gone

Hello Folks,

And Now He's Gone was written a short time after the death of my father. He died on Valentines Day on the weekend of my son's first birthday. It was a time of mixed emotion for my whole family. My Dad had been in the hospital for a week beforehand, in and out of a coma. All our relatives visited him during that time knowing it was "Good-bye." Still full of emotion, I wrote this poem.

And Now He's Gone

I feel the shadows in this house
There was once a presence here
It is, and may remain a permanent scent
For over thirty years my father lived here

And now he's gone

His clothes in the dresser folded just so
My Mother placed neatly, in loving expectation
I recall occasions, weekends, and visitations
Photos on the wall with his grand style

And now he's gone

Not all the crying, praying, and shouting
Cursing, wailing, or bawling can change a thing
The scent is there from years of wear
His spirit lies in the memories of our lives

And now he's gone

In the little hours, when the creaking walls are heard
And the half dreaming beckons to might have beens
The wishing dies away in tears of parting
Loves heavy heart remembers sorrows and joy

And now he's gone

Jack T. Leyton
1987

The house was where my brothers and I were raised and was full of the spirits of our family. It was sold after our Mother's passing, but I still drive by sometimes. As Thomas Wolfe said, "You can't go home again." As in most families, the memories stay rich and compelling. And now they're gone.

Cheers, 
Jack
🖖✌️