A Father

A Father

July 2017

jp

I enter the sea, pass beyond footing, and wonder where to swim

No sight on the horizon, just endless waves, my arms sweeping through the salted water

Though if I turn

I can make the shore magically appear

And there I see my daughter and my son

Standing solid feet planted firmly on the earth beneath them

I ache to be able to watch them grow, live, love

And find myself whispering, salt on my lips, words carried silently away on the wind

I give you what I can and it never seems enough

Whatever it is may happen

Be well

I ache for you

Then the image disappears, the waves slap my face, and the salt burns my eyes

I tread and turn in a slow circle

A moment

Nothing there but gentle white caps

The shore has disappeared

Above nothing but blue sky

Spread my arms, kick, and swim again

I will find something

And send it home for them.