I wrote this for this week’s Friday Fictioneers hosted by Rochelle 100 words (or so) based on the photo prompt below. Come join us!
When Father Died
They asked Mother
what else she wanted
burned
along with Father’s body
and she handed them
his PhD.
He was a great scholar.
He knew absolutely
what living in freedom
was supposed to mean.
Mother handed them
the golden
frame.
She knew he’d know
somewhere
he didn’t believe in
why.
She was just never able
to convince Father
to get a PhD in life
and so she earned it
for him.
He said
that one
mattered more
anyway
and so
he always thanked her for it.
Ellespeth
photo © Rochelle Wisoff-Fields
Views From A Poet 
A lovely poem that said so much about their relationship
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Hi ~
Thank you! I imagined he would be the shy one so she must not have been -and a good balance found 🙂
I appreciate your comment and visit!
Ellespetg
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Ellespeth, A PhD., especially from a western country like the U.K. or the U.S., still means a great deal in India. I would keep my husbands records for our children. He earned a Ph.D. in the U.K. Oddly, his advanced education sometimes kept him from getting certain jobs in the U.S. later on. The term used was “over qualified.” He sometimes fell back on his own consulting business. The main benefit has been that he earned more U.S. Social Security while he was working because of his highter salary. It doesn’t stretch far in the U.S., but it goes much farther in India. That’s mainly why we moved here. He also owned a flat here. Our money is in U.S. banks though. Good piece and well written. 🙂 —Susan
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Dear Ellespeth,
Poignant and telling. Just shows that sometimes Mother knows best. Nicely done.
shalom
Rochelle
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Hi Rochelle ~
I’m glad to read people’s comments about this poem. It bypassed my brain and went straight to my fingertips. Thanks for reading and commenting.
I’m happy to see you’ve recovered from celebrating the big six-oh!
Ellespeth
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Really poignant. Great job.
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Louise ~ Thanks! This wasn’t what I intended to write so I’m happy to read you liked this piece. Hope all is well…
Ellespeth
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Lovely poem, very poignant.
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Doc ~ Never know what’s going to fall into this old noggin. I wanted to write about a Girl Scout camping trip from many years ago. This is what came out?
Ellespeth
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Dear Ellespeth, A very poignant poem. So sad and such a part of life that comes no matter what to everyone. Lovely writing! Nan
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Hi Nan ~
I wonder if you’re really asked that question when a loved one is going to be cremated? I suppose so…and that would be difficult. Thanks for passing by and reading this piece.
Ellespeth
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It seems that was a way for her to show her love for him.
janet
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Yes, maybe so, Janet. I’ve heard several friends say that their PhD ‘let them down’ or ‘held them back’. Perhaps he once said something like this to his wife – in more detail. I’m glad you passed by to read this one.
Ellespeth
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Him….interesting. It’s always complicated when we want “more” for a loved one than they want for themselves. Well done
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I imagine they wanted most of the same things and that their love balanced all the rest out. I’m glad you liked this. Thanks for reading and commenting, Grace!
Ellespeth
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I think earning your PhD matters more for others than for others.. but I guess it should go with him..
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That could be, Bjorn. I imagine she had to dig through lots of old junk to find it. I’m trying to expand into more than writing poetry and may make a real short story about this poem image. Glad you passed by!
Ellespeth
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