My Old Man
*
Like everyone else I guess, I got a complex relationship with my old man. Maybe that's not true. Maybe it is as simple as we pretend it is. I don't know.
In a world where I'm like to cut you off at the knees soon as look at you, my old man gets a free ride. He's done his share of stupid, selfish things, but I don't have a bone to pick with him. He's given his love freely, and he's been what I always wanted to be in a man.
Whatever that means.
*
My own road as a parent has been a revelation. Of the wildest, deepest, most disturbing joy. Watching the way my own shortcomings bind and wound my child. The illusion of happiness, and happiness itself.
Grief and bitterness.
Consternation.
*
In the end it's all indistinguishable from love.
*
posted by tearful dishwasher at 5:05 PM
3 Comments:
Have you read Hemingway's great short story called "My Old Man"? It's here:
http://www.baktabul.com/ingilizce/27450-my-old-man-ernest-hemingway.html
K-
Thanks for sending me to that great read. I'm afraid I have a terrible, terrible fondness for Hemingway and I suppose I am somewhat childish for liking him so well, but there it is.
I had not read this story and was glad to do it.
Thanks. I owe you a beer or something.
All best-
tearful
I should be thanking you for reminding me to read it yet again! I'm glad you liked it so much -- it's a great story. MOM is of my two favorite short stories, the other being William Faulkner's "Was", which is the first story in Go Down, Moses.
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