Father and Son Lines:20

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.”