Original DDE™ art: “A Walk With Our Father” by: rob kistner © 2/21/26
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morning lifts its pale shroud
as a new day enfolds the valley
morning’s mist is loosening
from cedar—
redwood—
from fir
the voice of water sparkles
as it rushes between boulders—
worn smooth as memory
the rising sun ignites symbols
in spider silk and moss
which enwrap the willing bark
in their soft embrace
boot tracks lead
where we are meant to go—
our voices low
we follow
the path bends ahead
toward the rush of water
white fury striking rock—
spray lifting high
into the newborn rays—
flashing like diamonds
in the chill early sky
in my left hand
I grip my walking staff
in her steady right
my sister carefully clutches—
our father…
his ashes
in a beautiful copper urn
balancing—
I spear the path ahead
as we retrace boot tracks—
echoes of those
who passed before—
of our dad
whose memory
now feels stolen from us—
by time
in breath and footfall
we are keeping our promise
to our cherished father—
to his precious memory
step after step
through shadow and light
he walks with us today
we are on our way
to my dad’s favorite spot—
now our favorite…
by dusk — we will be there
the solitary trail
beckons us beyond
the forest stirs a chill—
a shiver
as we finally arrive
the moon is rising
shining through branches—
a pale witness
well dad
we made it
we’re here
with you
like we promised
at this bend
the river tumbles quietly—
a whispered prayer…
a gentle…
tearful—
goodbye dad
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rob kistner © 2/22/26