If you kneeled down low
And sat on the floor
Had make believe tea
And then asked for more
Gingerly lifted the tiny cup
To your lips, and smiled
Complimenting lavishly
And unashamedly lied
….Today is for you
If you ever were brave
And sat in a low chair
Wincing inside, smiling outside
As she braided your hair
If you admired the choice
Of the mismatched clips
And looked into the mirror
Saw the wide smile on her lips
….Today is for you
If you stopped your frenzy
To sit down and listen
As he related uncomfortable touch
You saw the tears glisten
If you believed and said so
And stood tall next to him
Took on the world
And didn’t say it was his whim
….Today is for you
If you paused long enough
Before choosing to correct
Taught her to reason
To think and reflect
If you escaped the trap
Of feeling strong because you were tall
If you did not let your anger
Be unleashed on the small
….Today is for you
If you lived your own life
Without regret or remorse
And did your best
To share your own force
To pass on your own dreams
You resisted the temptations
Instead, let her truly
Set her own expectations
….Today is for you
If your mind filled with joy
And chest swelled with pride
You said it out loud
Did not feel the need to hide
If you lifted him on your shoulder
Held him up high
Gave him the conviction
He could touch the sky
….Today is for you
Happy Father’s Day!
(The Y chromosome is optional)
Elusive Silence 