Father and Son

I waited at the gate discreetly

did I have the right to enter

when I had not been there

for all those years?

all those solitary years

alone he waited patiently

holding benefit of the doubt

for his son, close to his heart

year after year in loneliness

in utter loneliness

he waited for my maturation…

he waited and waited and waited

I was slow to gain awareness

But I finally understood,

I finally understood.

the leaves crunched beneath my feet

I stood in sorrow at my father’s grave

“You did the best that you could.

Please forgive me, Father.

Please forgive me ...