If Fathers Stayed

If you could color me with your blue eyes again.

If you could smile or maybe even wrinkle your nose in my direction.

If I could amuse you with my unaffected simplicity.

If you could advise me... guide me... or just sit quietly, puzzled by my wanderings.

If you could see me now would you recognize me up close?

If you could see me now that you no longer need your glasses.

If I tell to you now what I meant to then, will you pat my hand?

If love outlives memories, then there is acceptance when we visit.

If, when I reach up to you, do you reach down and extend your finger for me to grip?

If I could feel it.

If I close my eyes.

If I have done well.

If I try.

If I continue.

Red Fur

 You used to fit in my hand but now you're outgrowing me. I fight the urge to run to keep up with you. Damn your legs! I carried you before you could walk and when you moved with new balance, your tiny hand in mine, I steadied you. What will I do with idle hands as you take the wheel? Toy cars to gasoline in less than a moment. You're trying on your traveling shoes and I am afraid they fit already. You grew into them when I wasn't looking. I believe in you and I trust you. Go ahead and start breaking them in. Admiration is a two-way street.

I hope you never deny me your ideas, so that I might have the chance to live in them. Be proud of who you are and fight to become who you want to be. It doesn't matter if you have a dirty face if your hands are clean. The desire to be a success is most of the struggle, the rest, as they say, is academic. Fear can never best effort. I envy your plans. It's not easy to forge a foundation from thin air, but it can be done.

Take me with you in your head and in your heart. I do not want to stand in front of you. I am happy to stand behind you.