for I have seen the outside world
without the hand of my mother.
I see differently now into the eyes of my father.
Like a hawk with new feathers,
looking back at the nest after his first flight.
And he looks differently at me.
I know now what it means to be away
from my home and my room and toys.
I know now what it means to yearn for home and family
and to be too tired to play once I get there.
I know now what it means to look into the eyes
of the energetic and the brokenhearted.
Like a pirate coming home from his first voyage.
Stronger, less timid but happy to see land.
My father can see the difference in my eyes.
He can see the hope
that maybe someday,
I will be battle-ready.
and his throat closes
and his breath quickens
and his heart lightens.
He knows now, that someday,
we can be battle weary,
together.
My daughter is away at her second year of college and even though she is only a mile away ir is a long distance. She is battle-ready but we still keep the toys out at home. Thanks Royce!
ReplyDeleteThanks, John!
DeleteI can remember when you would bring her to work! Seems like yesterday.
-Royce
My, what a gift you have with words Royce. This is quite beautiful. Having known you as a first grader, and in the first class I ever had a hand in teaching, there is a special place in my heart for you. And, having known you as a first grader, would I have ever imagined that this is what would come out one day?
ReplyDelete~Leslie Drury
Wow, thank you! Such an interesting perspective! Thank you for commenting too.
Delete