David Wainland lives in South Florida, but was born and raised in the Bronx. He is a part-time published writer and fully retired. His was a professional artist and welded metal for over thirty years. David is working on a novel and posts his writings on his Gather profile.
A LEGACY OF BLANK PAGES
© 2011 BY David Wainland
Originaly titled My Legacy
© 2009
I leave the pages blank
for you to fill my son
In trust to you my words
Now my work is done
~
When I was ten
and not before
My father knocked
upon my door
~
In his hand
he held for me
A dog-eared book
of poetry
~
The spine was weak
the jacket rent
Most pages had
their corners bent
~
Read these my son
and you will learn
Free men read books
that others burn
~
When I was twelve
and not before
My father knocked
upon my door
~
Then turned a leaf
that caught my sight
Kipling wrote of
men that fight
~
Poe told tales
filled with gloom
Barrett’s love
entranced the room
~
Longfellow’s rhymes
captured dreams
While Alfred Noyse
sought moonlight beams
~
The Highwayman
and Gunga Din
The Raven knows
where I have been
~
My father always
did me proud
He often read
these poems aloud
~
If not for him
I know not when
My words would fall
from out my pen
~
He set my stride
upon the trail
Twas not for him
these rhymes would fail
~
When I was fifty
and not before
He rapped again
upon my door
~
The books are yours
my life is through
This my son
I leave for you
~
Eternal lies
my father now
This poem fulfils
a silent vow
~
When they were ten
and not before
My children heard me
at their door
Daily Response: For this week, the response will stay the same. In the comment section, please leave a message for the poet.
Kimberly Blackadar 
Passing on poetry from one generation to another will keep the Art living in the hearts and minds more years than we can imagine. I applaud this poet for leaving more than a great human legacy.
I agree, Darlene. I love the intangible legacies we can pass to our children.
David,
This poem is a real treasure. It is so rich with meaning that it stayed with me after I read it the very first time.
Kimberly
Kimberly, Thank you for posting this. through your blog, Gather and many other outlets, my father’s legacy will live on as it does in the hearts and minds of my granchildren.
Regards,
David Winland
David,
Thank you for allowing me to share your “legacy” with others. Speaking of grandchildren, aren’t you headed to visit them today? Have a wonderful trip! 🙂
Yes, our flight leaves at six-thirty. Have a happy and enjoyable Easter. We return to Florida that day.
Safe travels, David, and have a wonderful Easter.
What a beautiful poignant poem to reflect upon, David. Your children are blessed, as were you !!
I don’t know what my legacy will be…maybe my prayers for them and with them, every day of their lives.
Marianne, prayers are a wonderful legacy.
david wainland boca raton gather artist writer your talking about my grand father my name is skylar wainland wow oh the is one he told me his grand daughter a poem here it is
if only i had an invisability hood
Dear Skylar,
Thanks for your comment. Your grandpa is a wonderful poet. 🙂