The Photograph (Gabriella At Four-And-A-Half)
I hold the latest surreptitiously gathered photograph of you,
Where you seem so very sad-As though looking through
The photograph, directly at me-
As if your smile was absconded by the Veterans' Day tragedy
That changed both of our lives forever, and surely, for worse-
Whose genesis is an enigma, though, surely, a curse!
These are the days that circumstance steals;
We are both ill-equipped to emote how our heart feels,
Given the travesty that has befallen us;
I ask God in prayer each night, when He will be callin' us
Back to one another, so that we are no longer familial strangers;
I know all to well, the inherent dangers
Of moving forward too swiftly, whilst ill-prepared.
This is why, in spite of a want which obviates, I have not dared
Reach out to you, in any form whatsoever,
Holding on instead, to a connection that time and space may not sever!
Namely, the bond between a Father and a Daughter;
You need me like flowers need water-
Contrariwise, I need you as they also need the Sun;
Until our consort's reprise, the battle is never done!
The photograph makes you as real as you will get, to me.
Until this injustice is righted, photographs are all I get, to see-
The only window I have into your world-
The only measure of the beauty, into which you have unfurled!
A picture may be worth a thousand words,
Yet, none spoken by you, which would gift boundless rewards.
It does not tell me what you learned today,
Nor measure your inherent joy, at the new, big word you learned to say;
It does not have a way to capture your unique laughter,
Nor measure ice cream cone jollity, nor the clean up, after!
It may not capture your wide-eyed wonder at Christmas time-
Yet, somehow, it evokes all the emotion of this rhyme!
-Maurice Harris,29 Agust 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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Related quotes
She Looks Just Like You!
'She looks just like you! ', it says, on the back of the photograph;
Alas, this photograph (and others) is all I have,
To remind me that my importance has not faded
And that I need restore the Natural Order that He created
For a beautiful little lady, who knows not, her 'Dad';
Oh, if only I could share with her, the dreams I had
For a future that put her in the forefront
And not this 'present', subjugated to what others want!
So long as the status quo is maintained, they are satiate,
Yet, with their near-sightedness, they fail to appreciate
What is of paramount importance is this Father-Daughter bond;
Until our consort's reprise, I hold onto memories, most fond,
Of a little lady, I, sadly, no longer know...
And watch emotions that could be no stronger, grow!
-Maurice Harris,5 September 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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Your Loss Is Not Forgotten
It was as though I were 4-years-old again,
Looking at myself in the mirrow, when
I realized I held a photograph in my hand
Of a miniature, feminine version of me.
I will admit I was oversome with emotion, and
Cried for 10-15 minutes-almost uncontrollably
You grow more every day, though out of my sight!
And it never ceases to amaze me, and never will,
How you and your Sister are the two things I got right!
Though I have longed for thinje sight, and do still-
This is not a loss that may be allayed in any way,
But a profound tragedy, that must be righted;
Your loss is not forgotten, on this or an day,
And indeed shall not be, until your visage is once again sighted!
-Maurice Harris,19 August 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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A Silent, Altruistic Prayer
I say a silent prayer each and every night,
For the beauty no longer within my sight-
Supplanted by someone I no longer know.
I silently wonder: 'where did my beloved go? '.
I prefer to think she has not really gone away,
But rather, will eventually find herself again, one day.
Taken hostage by fears she could not control,
She needs this re-discovery to once again be whole.
Perhaps, each day as she sees herself in the mirror,
All that she has abandoned of herself will become clearer.
Surely, she seeks the ardor and jollity she once possessed,
Just as surely as the heart silently mourns a love repressed.
Sikerly, Heavenly Father heeds my soulful, altruistic prayer-
For the amelioration of this lady, most beauteous and fair!
-Maurice Harris,8 September 2012
poem by Maurice Harris
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Michael Caine
Well get ya ya ya
Well get ya ya ya
(I am michael caine)
La la la la la la la la
Hes walking where Im afraid I dont know
I see the firemen jumping from the windows
Theres panic and I hear somebody scream
He picks up useless paper and puts it in my pocket
Im trying very hard to keep my fingers clean
I cant remember tell me whats his name
(my name is michael caine)
And all I wanted was a word or photograph to keep at home
And all I wanted was a word or photograph to keep
The sun is laughing its another broken morning
I see a shadow and call out to try and warn him
He didnt seem to hear just turned away
The quiet fellow follows
And points his finger straight at you
He had to sacrifice his pride, yes
And throw it all away
(I am micheal caine)
And all I wanted was a word or photograph to keep at home
And all I wanted was a word or photograph to keep
His days are numbered he walks round and round in circles
There is no place he can ever call his own
He seems to jump at the sound of the phone
Staring out the window theres nothing he can now do
All he wanted was to remain sane
He cant remer hisemb own name
(my name is michael caine)
And all I wanted was a word or photograph to keep at home
And all I wanted was a word or photograph to keep
All I wanted was a word or photograph
All I wanted was a word or photograph to keep
song performed by by Madness
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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Amazing Grace
Met did we, in another time, another place,
Not ready to make regard with her amazing grace!
Now and ever more, dreams now not needed-
My prayer for her requite, now again heeded!
She is with me, though many miles are between,
The joy I now feel, ne'er before have I seen!
She is my seraphic beauty, though would deny-
Yet, this quivering heart of mine doth this, belie!
Fortuitous beyond measure am I, indeed-
The complete capture of my heart, I do concede!
I am witness to her amazing grace,
She: cause for the smile ever on my face;
Everywhere I go, everything I do-
There is my love, so beauteous and true!
Maurice Harris,3 September 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Father's Day, Forbidden
Yet another Father's Day fastly apporaches
And a force outside of my control still encroaches
Upon my ability to be the Father I know I can be;
Two beautiful little Angels grow, yet, I can see
Only photographs-which surely do not show me
More than a brief moment in time-they do not know me,
Nor do I know them, yet we share a connection beyond the miles
That now seperate us. Am I cause for any smiles
They may have in times which are wholly their own! ?
Will this estrangement cease before they're grown,
And are able to make decisions without the influence of another?
When will they break ranks with the one they call 'Mother'-
To allow that their own concerns finally be considered?
When will the maternal selfishness, that has embittered
A Father, yield to the need of Daughters to know from whence they came?
I carry only remorse for the loss they have suffered-the shame,
That should be held by the two women who purport
To know what it means to be a Mother, yet fall very short!
I may not be the Father I know I am, until this veil of shame is lifted-
Nor may these Angels truly know what God Himself has gifted,
Both to me, and to them-this Father-Daughter bond;
To our tragic loss, how shall the Fates respond?
The answer will only unfold through the hands of time
And the travesty we now face may only be described as a crime.
I live many miles from them, but I carry them with me always-
No amount of time or space may take this away-all days
Which pass without them in my life belies the gratitude
I have for their very existence-indeed, a bittersweet beatitude!
One day, 'this too shall pass' and my heart's ache shall cease-
One day, this soul shall sing the sweet song of its own release
From the torment I now feel, for a consort that is not allowed, to be!
The gracious gift of Fatherhood, once avowed to me
By the very Hand of God, has been stolen by ignorance-
Earthly ignorance of the import of same-my abidance
Is surely not of my own making, but in nature, Divine;
When I wonder, shall this end! ? Just a little sign
Is all I shall need, to sustain me further still-
Until such time as this estrangement's end is His Will!
In the meantime, another poignant Father's Day to me
And all those similarly in search of their purpose: to be
All they were meant to be, for a child who needs their guidance.
This is what must be one day, to cease this soul's subsidence
Into an abyss-from which a return becomes less and less likely.
Instead of wondering: 'what if? ', I need to know what might be,
In a world filled with the two wonders-as my dreams have shown.
I need my eyes to behold, not photographs, to see how they have grown;
Until these dreams meet with reality, I shall never be whole-
Until you are again near me, we will never recover what they stole!
-Maurice Harris,13 June 2012
poem by Maurice Harris
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Come With Me, My Beloved
Your smile: brighter than a thousand suns;
Will it answer each time my heart beckons?
Your eyes: more telling than a thousand epic tales;
Will they see the love I have for thee, and see it prevails?
Your heart: more giving than a thousand philanthropists;
Will it allow for its own guard, lest you shall be remiss?
Your soul: the mate to mine own, evidenced from our genesis;
Will you allow for its rebirth, as I, honoring our mutual symbiosis?
E'er I endeavor, still yet, I shan't explicate more vividly than to say-
I do so adore thee, surely more than words, and shall more, each day!
Ne'er could I have gathered such awe-inspiring emotions as these,
My mind hath affirmed its verity, and my heart surely agrees!
Come with me, my beloved-our wondrous world, true, doth await-
I shall love thee more, each day more than the last, without abate!
Maurice Harris,13 December 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Tomorrow's Gift
Believe me, it is far from your enduring charms
That beguile me this or any other day-it warms
My heart to believe that you may have cause to smile
Upon though of me, though we are seperated by many a mile!
It is alteration I find in myself, with you considerate;
Perhaps until now, I failed to consider it
As a factor in favor of a consortium betwixt our souls,
Yet, with time to aid me, my heart furter extols
Virtues, and finds more beauty I had not seen before!
Tomorrow's gift is that there is always more about you, to adore!
Sikerly, I possess more to appreciate about myself, because of you,
And would not have same if it were not so easy to love you,
As I do, indeed, as I have, and as I surely will-
You are a perpetual gift; I owe recompense for same surely still!
Maurice Harris,23 July 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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I Miss You...
I miss you...as the flowers crave the rain-
Without you, lo, shall thee come again?
As days sans the sun, my world, dark when wanting:
Your absence, when erred did I-haunting!
Sorrow have I not though for what was recited,
Alas, response as proffered, surely was invited!
Offered thee though, as my amity's token;
Mine own truth, more worthy than words not spoken!
My verity, to you offered as an amorous alm-
Your presence near, to serve as my beauteous balm!
Whence lacking for thee am I, not have I reason
To look to the beauty inherent in our newest season!
I long for thee-as the night doth the moon,
Pray do I for your truance to cease most soon!
Maurice Harris,1 April 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Little Girl With My Last Name
Who cries for the little girl who knows not, from whence she came?
Who shares with the little girl, the story behind her last name?
Years have passed; many moons have surely shone;
All the while, she has shared a legacy that she has never known!
Many a tear has been surreptitiously shed;
Many a protestation made, many a prayer said-
With the hope that this anguish might meet its cease,
Whereby, at long last, a battered soul may find peace!
Who grieves for the little girl, who knows not the depths of her own heartache?
What may be the balm for this tragic heartbreak?
The answer obviates-I am the only one who shares her pain-
She needs me, as cause to restore that smile again!
'I was your very genesis, and you helped me become the man I became-
You are the tragic loss I mourn; the little girl with my last name! '
-Maurice Harris
poem by Maurice Harris
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The Last Word
What must a man do, when the world fails him-
Lest, he believe that the same, assails him?
For shame world that hath 'tread on me'!
Thou should have counted instead, on me!
The last word shall be mine, this I assure thee;
I shan't allow this injustice now before me!
I shall do what my heart tells me I must-
Because, in this, and only this, I lay my trust!
This scourge, lo, this cancer
Demands a swift answer;
I should not have to feel inferior-
As though the 'system's' motives are ulterior!
A price need be paid, and a lesson, learned!
This is my inherent right, not just what I have earned!
Maurice Harris,3 March 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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My Photograph
Of all the worldly goods I own,
Of all that I possess,
One photograph means more to me,
Much more than all the rest.
Who took this precious photograph
I couldn't really say;
I only know the subject is
More lovely than the day.
A face so radiant, so serene,
And known and loved so well;
This photograph I hold so dear,
I'd never give or sell.
True beauty comes from deep within,
It's something you can't buy;
It's captured on my photograph,
And cameras never lie.
It may be silly fancy,
And mock me if you will;
But when I choose to look at it
All time is standing still.
I know I'm looking at the past,
But I don't care, you see
My Mother's eyes are filled with love,
And looking right at me.
Written Nov 1994
poem by John Carter Brown
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Thanksgiving
I found myself woefully walking down a sad and lonely road-
I asked: 'Why must I be forlorn and have I been foresaken? '
An answer would reveal itself, though I questioned the time it had taken,
God said then: 'I brought you great angst to allow for that which I have now bestowed! '
'You ne'er have, nor shall you walk alone, for I always shall guide your way! '
'I proffer to you now my most trusted Angel, She shall walk always beside you-
She shall, as my entrusted: protect, love and guide you! '
From that time, and for myriad still to come, beside me she has stayed!
Though no measure of recompense shall surely ever suffice,
Still, I offer her that which I have never, all I have to give-
My heart and soul, all my love- as long as I may live:
Blessed have I been to have this, not once, but twice!
Thankful am I beyond all measure of words for this and all it brings:
Obligation owed, to You, the benevolent and gracious, King of Kings!
Maurice Harris,24 November 2008
poem by Maurice Harris
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Angel Of God' (Happy First Birthday Gabriella)
Celebratory are we today, upon the day of your birth!
One year old today, Daddy misses your infectious smile-
Grown so much, I suppose you have, I haven't seen you in a while!
So proud am I to be your father-you are my miracle on earth!
A world of wonderment and joy you present to all around-
As though knowing your import to each, alas, to all!
Your smile builds for each, a friendly window-others may erect a wall!
Your father, you are, in feminine form-it serves to astound!
Beauteous sky-blue eyes, the world's window to your soul,
All that you are, all, ever you shall be-upon the world, you do bestow!
Glorious is your smile, light to all around you-and your laughter:
Your beautiful spirit, allows for each who meet you-a 'happily ever after'!
Gabriella-meaning 'Angel of God'-this is surely
Your place on Earth! Giveth you have, my last wish, early!
Maurice Harris,1 February 2008
poem by Maurice Harris
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Daughter's Vexation, Father's Explication and Idealization
Stanza I-Vexation
Where were you Daddy, when I turned one,
I want for your approval, yet there is none?
Where again were you, when I turned two?
I am right here Daddy, but where are you?
Each day I repeat: 'I miss Daddy-maybe before
The day's done, he will come though the door...'!
Do you not love me Daddy, why are you not here?
Why do you not comfort me, when I am in fear?
I need your hand in mine as I cross the street;
I want to show my Daddy to all the people I meet;
Where are you when I need to be tucked into bed?
When I fall, why are you not here to kiss my forehead?
But, you said I was the most important person in the world!
I do not understand Daddy, I thought I was your little girl! ?
Stanza II-Explication
My beloved, precious Angel-naught is there to your compare;
I have coffered in mine own heart all days we did share-
Thoughts of thee permeate to my very soul, lo, deeper still,
My absence from your life is not, surely, of my own free will!
If proffered a choice, ne'er would thee need for want,
Alas, purloined from each, each day since, still does haunt!
Many a wretched day, many a woeful, wretched night
Have I longed for thee to be within my very sight!
No measure of quittance would surely e'er answer
That which was taken, nor requite for this cancer!
Perchance, if but allowed to sleep e'er, to somniate-
This realm permits me leave, a paragon to create;
If only allowance could be made for you always to aspire,
Then only might thee gather amply, mine own unfeigned desire!
Stanza III-Idealization
Affected not would we be thus, e'er all to be as should,
Ne'er would we have cause for absence, misunderstood!
Revel with thee, would I, and share in your glory,
Full recital then, for each chapter of your story;
My approval would obviate with every bespoken word,
'I love you my Princess! ', your last words each night, heard!
Your gallant protector, from all means or form of fright,
I would lovingly lie you down to sleep, each and every night!
Your hand, interlaced with mine, whensoever we may prance;
Each day more causal still to marvel at your grace and elegance!
Jollity your constant consort, your most beauteous gift to the world,
Ever more splendid, ever more resplendent, as to you it is unfurled!
The world would be at your beckon, for only you to decide-
Watch would I, with wonderment and a Fatherly sense of pride!
Maurice Harris,25 October 2009
poem by Maurice Harris
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Freedom Years
As the day draws near to my Freedom's reprise,
Oft-lost am I in thought, as I surmise
The wonder of the great and boundless skies,
Under which the majestic American Bald Eagle flies!
This is soon to be the scene of my soul's rebirth-
The whole of this great, magnificent Earth,
Where no longer will my liberty be restrained;
My mirth may no longer be contained-
It is as free and boundless as I am soon to be,
With as much unfettered Freedom as I am soon to see!
Naught may contain my jollity, as days draw down-
I am, as the majestic Eagle-I may not be bound,
By anything any longer, as my Freedom nears, -
Soon, very soon, I begin again, a celebration of my Freedom years!
Maurice Harris,7 September 2011
poem by Maurice Harris
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But A Matter Of Time
My beloved, upon this day of myriad amorous thought,
I shall attempt to convey what your love hath brought!
Bestowed unto me hath been days, beauteous and bright-
Whence even the Sun hath not been within my sight!
Days are rife with jollity, whence upon thee I ponder,
Many more, yet to come, in our life, of unending wonder!
Count me now, most fortuitous, my heart's elation abiding-
To thee, and all the world, this soul's capture, I am confiding!
As though I had wished upon a 1,000 stars, falling-
God hath answered this loving heart's calling;
He hath not just seen to my love's fitting requite,
He hath ensured I may love, with all my might!
Ne'er before, in time's hallowed history
Hath this greatest of emotion's enlightenment
Been anything but an unattainable mystery-
My loyalty to love, He did sight and sent
His most beloved beauty, His Angel, most highly regarded
To see fitting continuance of a love, many years ago, started!
God smiles upon me, each and every day-
Taken away so much pain, supplanted with this beauteous ray
Of resplendent beautificence, mine eyes have never seen-
As sikerly, in the world's annals, there hath ne'er been!
My life, entire, I could most certainly spend
To endeavor recompense, yet it would never end-
To honor you, proper, I shall surely strive, still,
With time's infinity, its only lasting rival!
Ne'er did I believe true love, as this, attainable-
As it was my own belief, I must be amenable
To love of another more than of self, heightened and true-
At a time most disbelieving of same, I found this, with you!
Time and distance mean naught, as now I know of your existence-
Shown to be hopelessly futile, is any form of resistance;
I was meant to become, for your consort, prime-
I now know my true love's avail is but a matter of time!
Maurice Harris,10 February 2010
poem by Maurice Harris
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A Collection
(music: marillion lyrics: steve hogarth)
Ive got a photograph
I took a picture of you
I took your photograph in front of my favourite view
You play the part so well
You look so sure and free
No one could ever tell that you belong to me
And cause you lie so well
Ive got to pin you down
Under lock and key
So you will always be in my in my collection
If you cant speak you cant lie
If you cant run and you cant hide
I know a place you cant die
So no one lives inside
My collection
I want to capture you
I want to immortalize
The way you play with your hair
The way you flash your eyes
I taste the air you breathe
I taste the food you eat
I keep your nails and hair
And some of the clothes you wear
If you cant speak you cant lie
If you cant run you cant hide
And if youre dead you cant die
So no one lives inside
No one lives inside
My collection
Ive got some photographs
Id like to show them to you
though you dont know the girls
Youll recognize the view...
song performed by by Marillion
Submitted by Lucian Velea
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3 March 2012 (Happy Eighth Birthday Abigail)
Abigail-your Father's joy, even in your absence;
Your beauty is felt every day, despite your presence
Kept from the eyes of your own Father, for so very long!
I have kept your memory alive, through a Faith so very strong
That it has literally helped to fashion miracles!
These are not just some insignificant spectacles,
They are Signs that the very Hand of God Guides me!
Though, I am surely not the only one, He also Guides thee
As well, on a Path where we shall meet again, one day!
There, our relationship will truly begin-one day!
But, for now all I have are Birthday wishes-from afar,
And since I know not otherwise, I must gather
That the time for our consort's reprise, is rather
Close at hand this day-no matter where we now are!
-Maurice Harris,3 March 2012
poem by Maurice Harris
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A Father's Prayer
A Father's prayer...but to be with his ladies, unseen:
To see and aid them as they e'er too rapidly, grow;
Not a greater pleasure and honor in my life, will I know!
Has it been forever, since last I have seen?
A monster, named fear, took me away,
As though a death sentence to me each day!
All was tried, to rationalize actions taken,
Left was I: forlorn, heart-broken and forsaken!
I am the antithesis of all that about me, was said;
If there be truth inherent-wish myself would I, dead!
I have been asked to pay for crimes, not my own,
For others though, I have indeed penance, atoned!
All I have ever asked, was for the truth to emerge-
Surely it has indeed-soon to remove us from this scourge!
Maurice Harris,8 March 2008
poem by Maurice Harris
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