I reach up tugging on a cord
Tension pitch with the sharp creak
My heart pulled slightly open
Do you hear it?
Feel it too?
I step up and through, piercing the dust
Braving the dinge punctuated
Thick air of disappointment
A shard of light crosses the floor
Casting sharply through a small square
That brings itself to greet me
Might that be grace?
Could that be you?
Stale with boxed-up memories
Some treasured, some traumatic
I’ve come to nurture its neglect
To say hello with weathered hands
Offer some compassion through older eyes
A wave of forgiveness on silvered hair
Are you surprised?
Ashamed or shy?
I know you loved me, I know you cared
Despite not able to care for me
Or even yourself
Sitting in crouched consideration
Of your boyhood filled with lack, absence
To the Navy, a degree and favored middle class
Was it bended weakness?
Or an unbreakable past?
On a Father’s Day I was asked
What gratitude was held for you
I came up with five things
Creating a tattered rope I cling to
When hurt crepts in
Your goodness to hang onto
Are you at peace now?
Free from ravaged addition?
Tender hope I send you
As I turn back to life below
Lifting the closure sealed
Until next time I am open
To embrace our paths again
Know all is well and full of wonder
