I used to ponder the meaning
when an attractive young lady
(she could be 50 or 60 nowadays)
would cast a trusting smile
my way and say,
‘you remind me of my father.’
Was she calling me old (true ‘nuf),
a difficult, somewhat deaf defender
(also true), or childhood disciplinarian?
A boomer, for Christ’s sake.
Perhaps it’s my ego,
maybe just plain self-guilt,
conceivably a DSM diagnoses.
I don’t know. Anyways.
I’ve finally realized
she could pay me
no greater compliment,
no higher honor, than to say,
in whatever loving way,
(or not)
she thought of him. When
she looked into my eyes,
she saw him. The first man
she ever loved.
Look both ways to understand.
Try to see yourself as another sees you.
Mind the gaps for confusion and clear understanding.
***
Gloss: DSM refers to The Diagnostic and Statistical Manual of Mental Disorders, the taxonomic and diagnostic tool published by the American Psychiatric Association.
Our Literary Journey 
I know exactly what you mean – the initial reaction, that is… (and the Mom version)
I think it is much better for our own peace of mind to look at it in a positive light…
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Always better to see the positive. 🙂
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It’s the way I roll… Always have, always will 🙂
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I try. But so many folks seem to only be happy when they are miserable. I will never understand that. Complicated creatures, people. 🙂
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I do try to keep away from those people. I call them energy vampires. I usually have to break away from them when I realise they are sucking me dry. Very complicated creatures!
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🙂 Good. Makes for better days to make such choices.
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It’s also necessary! 😀
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🙂
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I love the turn in this one. The phrase can be a deep compliment. Although I’m sure there are plenty who don’t mean it as such.
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Yes, indeed, Kathrine. It can go either way. 🙂
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Yes, that’s a touching poem. I hope you’ve been blessed with children, Bill.
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Yep.
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Tender and true with the turn. And well constructed Bill.
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Thank you, Doug.
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