Untitled #8

There was no explaining why I was where I was 

As if I just woke up there 

My eyes clear from a fog, and a man emerging from a car comes into focus 

I am familiar with the movements of his steps 

He sidesteps to the left just a few feet as if trying to catch his balance 

Then he straightens and starts his approach 

I know him… 

As he walks closer his facial features change 

His lines of wisdom and years start to fade and I start to weep 

I know him… 

And then he is in front of me with a twinkle in his eyes and a smile on his face 

I place my hand on his cheek just to prove this reality 

You have the face of a 12 year old I say 

Again he smiles 

I can’t hold back my tears 

This is a man I have heard of my whole life but never knew 

And as we embrace I feel comfort and peace and a life of sadness 

I wish he could see you as I see you, as I gesture to the other man to the right of me 

A man of meek stature, with fading eyes and the lines of wisdom and years upon his face 

He doesn’t remember the man with the face of a 12 year old 

Yet he looks deep into his eyes, and he too starts to weep and whispers, 

I know him… 

I stroked the man with the 12 year olds face and said thank you 

I have always dreamed of meeting you 

I turn away and take the hand of the man of meek stature 

I place my hand on his cheek and I say 

I recognize this twinkle in your eye 

And he smiles at me 

I say, I recognize this smile 

And we start to weep, and I say 

I know you, I finally know you… 

(for my father)