Dad,
you have been gone 32 years now. I can still see how red the sky was as I walked back across Singleton park that day in early December 1983. I was 25 then and I am 57 now. You have a grandson and there are so many things I wish I could share with you and talk to you about.
You gave me so many things, a love of reading and knowledge, a non tolerance of racism, respect for different cultures, a rebellious nature and a certain eccentricity that we both share.
I have learnt so much in those thirty-two years, you would have loved to hear about the cultures I studied in Social Anthropology, the Philosophers I have read. My Ecosocialism and my rejection of the Neo-liberals and the flat emptiness of the politicians of the conventional political establishment.
There have been dark days..very dark over those years, and days of ecstasy and joy. I would love to have shared those times with you and reflected upon them with you.
I have many books now, Dad. Some of them were yours. I thank you for the things you gave me, for the love of words, for the love of Mythology, Legends and Folk tales. I thank you for that near Death Experience you shared with me when you met the Old Gods and Goddesses of Greece. I hope when my time comes to enter the Summer lands that they are there for me too.
I remember smelling your Senior Service cigarettes the day Morgan was born. I remember watching “Brief Encounter” with you and I remember your tears. You are a romantic like me and you gave me the faith to hold out for love.
I remember your funeral. It was a dark wet day in late December. Suddenly, as your coffin was lowered , the Sun burst through and a breeze shot around the church yard. The Old Gods came for you , your other world was not the Christian one of the Angels and the clouds, it was a richer passionate one with no room for St Augustine and the company of Saints...but I miss you and love you particularly today...Dad
Martyn
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