ABPA - Australian Bush Poets Association

The Cardigan

It hangs there still, though never worn, quite shabby too with one cuff torn
and some may wonder why it’s there; not knowing what this means to me.
It’s old and somewhat crumpled now and looks so out of place somehow,
surrounded there with new style clothes that look much smarter you’d agree.

Once destined for the Rubbish Bin which seemed to me would be a sin,
for this was my Dads favourite; the one he always used to wear.
I see him now, this jumper on, just briefly glimpsed, and then he’s gone,
then comes that pang of sadness as I think of times we used to share.

He never hankered much for wealth; he valued more us kids and health,
a simple life it could be said, yet still enjoyed life his own way.
Respected highly you could tell and liked by all who knew him well
and never changed throughout his life; a gentleman I’m proud to say.

I look again and see it there; this heirloom that I’ll never wear,
it looks so old and fragile now - a relic from a time before.
It’s precious though, at least to me, recalling now what used to be;
it’s not the garment that I see; but visions of my Dad once more.

__________________
© T.E. Piggott

Nice poem Terry and I can understand how you can see your Dad in it. Judging from your poem, my late brother-in-law had a similar one . It sounds the same and he wore it for years before he passed away. My sister has kept it, just like you and the images it conjures up are quite tangible. Good memories and good onya!

cheers
Dot

Yes, nice one Terry. I have remnants of my grandmother's wardrobe. Giving her clothes away was really difficult.

Heather

Lovely Terry - and I can relate. There are some items in the family that we just cannot bear to part with, not matter how old and/or bedraggled, because of the special memories they bring back.

That is lovely Terry - very poignant. A lovely warm memory recaptured

Thanks Dot, Heather, Catherine & Maureen

The Cardigan still hangs in my wardrobe and I also have his watch to remember him by.

Terry

I suppose the best thing about Dad and I was that we were always close and both shared similar interests in many things.
I must have tested that relationship at times though, especially during those thoughtless years in my late teens and mid twenties when I was chasing rainbows and went for long periods of not keeping in touch. There was one time at least when I first went to Coober Pedy, where I lost contact for an extended period and Dad though that I was probably dead - I think it was a relief to him when I finally got married. In later years although I was away a lot I would still get down to Albany two or three times a year and take him fishing. it was a passion we both shared. Eventually his legs gave up the ghost so I would take him to a river Bream fishing and he could just sit in his chair and haul them in. On other times we'd head to a remote beach and Dad would be happy just sitting there watching me fish.

All in all I reckon I was lucky to have had a father like him.

Terry

And he to have had you... I think some of us had to grow up before we appreciated our parents. I still tell my kids and others that when you have children it is bigger than anything else and most certainly is For the term of your natural life.
Dot

I wonder if Lord Cardigan was wearing a button up knitted woollen garment when he led the charge of the Light Brigade.

G/day Dot Sometimes it's only after they've gone that we really appreciate them unfortunately.



Probably made of Chain Mail Neville.

Cheers Terry