Elegy For My Father Poem by Isadora Quagmire

The world feels dimmed, a shadow cold and deep,
Since you, dear father, closed your weary eyes,
And entered into everlasting sleep,
Beneath the vast and ever-watching skies.
A righteous man, akin to saintly grace,
Your life a testament to faith held true,
A gentle smile upon your noble face,
Reflected light of God in all you'd do.


A loyal lover, steadfast heart and hand,
To Mother's side you pledged your earthly life,
A bond of love that time could never stand
Against the strength you showed amidst the strife.
A father kind, with wisdom in your gaze,
Quick to be stern, yet quick to laugh with glee,
A guiding star through all of life's maze,
A soul that knew the path to set us free.


A teacher skilled, in life's most subtle art,
You showed us how to face the world's ruthless spite,
To play a noble and effective part,
And stand for truth and chase away the night.
For family and wife, your love burned bright,
A beacon shining, constant and sure,
A guiding light for us, both day and night,
A love we knew would evermore stand pure.


The classic tales in ancient tongues you read,
Resonating wisdom filled your soul,
The words of old, a constant gentle feed,
That formed you like a perfect, precious whole,
Your voice intoned, a story there'd unfold,
The beauty of the past in every line.
And skills of many years would then unfold,
As if a gift of all time would always shine.


A dancer with the grace of flowing stream,
A swordsman skilled, with honor in each thrust,
An engineer, you dreamt, a builder's dream,
Who laid creation's groundwork on the dust.
A brilliant mind, an engineer of worth,
A scientist, exploring nature's laws.
He sought the truth, in heaven and on earth,
And found the answers, free from earthly flaws.



With unwavering faith, you held your ground,
Through trials faced, and battles bravely won,
In God's strong love, your solace you had found,
Until the final race was with honor fairly run.
Your love, a mirror of great God's own Son,
Reflected kindness, mercy, gentle grace,
A legacy of goodness you have spun,
A love that time can never quite erase.




So now we mourn, but know your spirit soars,
Released from earthly bonds, you've found your peace,
Beyond the stars, on everlasting shores,
Where pain and sorrow finally must cease.
We'll strive to live as you have shown the way,
To walk in faith, and love with hearts sincere,
Until we meet again on that bright day,
And feel your loving presence ever near.


-For my father,
Bertrand Harold Quagmire