Poem for Lee

8/15/11

It comes back to the sandwiches—a particular kind. Nourishment in an unnourished

world.

Perhaps to have it all—chocolate and everything; or perhaps not.

To deserve a parent’s love, or perhaps not.

And yet to persevere—one day, and another.

Not necessarily toward anything.  Perhaps a history book. But not with permission to contribute new history.

A firm handshake.

Followed by a beverage. Welcomed to the cycle,

but not the throne. How to be a man? Need we claw our way? Is there no dignity? Perhaps. But now,

the clocks have returned; Familiar and familial.

To be counted on. How can we appreciate that

Showing up? That sacrificing? That never leaving?

Can we find it in our hearts selves to appreciate a life lived

in our midst?