Post date: May 15, 2012 9:55:48 PM
This is a piece that I have been a bit hesitant about sending out. It is titled "Never To Be Held And Rocked Again". It is 11" long x 5 1/2" wide x 5" high. It was done as a result of trying to come to terms within myself with the death of my long time friend Walter. Still am having trouble moving on without him.
We all have been held or rocked either as a child or even as an adult by someone very special in our life. It is always an expression of love and caring or a way of calming our fears in a frightening or insecure situation. It is an international form of affection and nurturing. We all want that big hug or to sit on grandpa's lap and hear how wonderful we are. You can be in another room and discover yourself smiling when you hear an old rocker creaking. That old rocker is one of the most fought over heirlooms out there.
We often say "if walls could talk". Is funny in a way, but rockers keep talking even if no one is in them. They remind us of the good in life and those that passed that good on to us. They are the thrones of wisdom and the non-pharmaceutical calming agents of life. They have induced more happy and sad tears than the greatest of thunderstorms.
Don't have a rocker myself, but do have a hammock. Walter loved that hammock and spent hours in it. Perhaps, it was his rocker. As he swayed back and forth in it next to the pool, I saw and heard a more calm, peaceful and positive Walter come out. Really hadn't seen him smile like that in years. Today I wonder if he was thinking about when he was being held and rocked. It may not be a rocker, but when I look at that hammock swaying in the breeze, I get a big smile and am thankful for the most wonderful life and times we shared toghether.
John Michael, Ralph, Rocko, Frank or Whoever?
(To see photos of the above art piece "Never To Be Held And Rocked Again", go to https://sites.google.com/site/jmdodigartphotos )