Loving son, bravely
facing open roads.
I hope I held you warm enough
when you were small,
for holding now would only pull
you back.

I fear i was too often dutiful,
too seldom joyful
in the long moment
before you left
to follow dreams
and find new friends.

Now partings and meetings
have larger space between
and only I remember saying
"love you, see you at lunch"
as the kindergarten bus
carried you off.

You’ve been to Africa
and will make further journeys.
As i lose you more to the world,
how i long to hold you closer

You sense my greed
for a few more years
that will not come again.
"You have Dad" you say –
glad to be clear, away.

I see this, and am grateful, too
for your father’s love.
Such pleasure we took
in raising you.

I’m honored by
friendship and laughter
as you put your arm around
to walk me to the car.

I sit alone in a garden
next morning
before starting the long ride home,
and cannot tell if my tears
are for leaving,
or for loving to watch you
grow in so much beauty.

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