A mixed-format poem about the symbolism of a hand-carved cypress knee stump gift. |
The Heartfelt Cypress Knee Stump The sibling are gathered to sort through their newly deceased father’s store of prized personal items, those things he held most dear. Coming upon a small cypress knee stump with a polished, rounded top and having a heart-shaped drawer carved through its center, the daughter, now in her 50s, has a spark blaze up deep within her mind. She vaguely recognizes this cypress stump as being from a time long ago. A slip of paper addressed to her is attached. She reads: Back when you were only a young teenage girl, the birthday after your mom and I did part, since I’d no longer be in your everyday world, I gave this to tell you you’d remain in my heart. Being young and not yet polite, you returned my gift, saying you had no use for a stump. I’ll admit at the time your reaction burned. The symbolism for you was too large a jump. All these long years I kept this old cypress knee, admiring the hand-crafted heart-shaped drawer. It soon came to represent just how dear to me you’d always remain, someone to love evermore. Every day when I’d look upon this stump’s heart, I would think of you, daughter, and always smile. Now that my life is up and I had to depart, please accept this stump and treasure it for a while. Please check out my ten books: http://www.amazon.com/Jr.-Harry-E.-Gilleland/e/B004SVLY02/ref=ntt_dp_epwbk_0 |