Dad

What do I remember?
Stories in the caravan -
Leprechaun tales, and cats by the seaside,
And Brer Rabbit tricking his companions, the way I thought I tricked Sam.

The pool at Nan and Pop’s,
And you surfacing like a whale beside me,
Water dripping from your hair
Skin glowing red and brown and freckled and peeling.

Diving the dumpers to join you floating,
Feet straight out, arms skulling, sitting upright in the water
Like you were in the recliner at Granny’s.
Jumping off your shoulders
Or riding the boogey board -
Endless family summers at the beach.

Driving in the car at night to Mollymook
Us girls tucked up in the back,
With books and bags of dried fruit and biscuits,
Pleading to go the Kangaroo Valley way.

Groaning about the cricket -
The ever-present background noise of our lives at Pennant Pde –
A passion closely guarded, despite the lack of companionship in the faith.

Musicals and movies,
Picnics in the park,
Going for a drive with our towel ends flapping out the windows.
Trips to the city to visit your office and the bookshop,
The sound of Mr Whippy in the Botanical Gardens.

Barbecues and prawn cocktail,
The legendary Trappers Stew,
Fried-up onion and corn and mashed potato
All washed down with a huge bowl of icecream for dessert.

The tinkling of the piano on a Sunday afternoon.

So many happy memories of a sunlit childhood,
Sheltered in your love.
Thanks for your generosity
Your patience
Your concern
And your need to share.

I’m proud to be a piece of you.