A malnourished orphan – that’s what was expected.
But a round fiery five-month-old soul
landed in your arms
on that Mother’s Day in
Chicago.
Pigtails and ponies
Climbing up the swing set you put together in the backyard
Pink dance recitals and piano practice
The moments you cried when I sang and danced for you and mom on stage
“The Sun’ll come out tomorrow” Dad!
The ice-skating rink that fell into the lagoon
The first Night Sail we took under the moon
when you taught me to read a compass,
and how to follow my North Star -
I’ve covered the seven seas, but there is only one Saginaw Bay.
Calculus problems
and cigarettes
Sneak-outs
Hide-outs and
the Honor Roll -
I remember the day you said that no matter what
I’d always be your little girl with pigtails.
The gut wrenching vocals of the infamous “Good Morning” song.
Driving through the Rockies in the motor home while mom wailed
under the table for hours strong.
The frozen pipes of winter
the hot humid midwestern summer breeze
The terrible jokes only you can tell
“Spectacle, testicles, wallet and keys…”
Patience and kindness
“If you don’t ask the answer is automatically no.”
Take your time
Be on time
You taught me well, Dad. You taught me well.
And over the years, I know I have been such a rolling stone,
but I take you with me wherever I go.
My Father
My North Star
I hope you never stop crying.
I’m glad I wasn’t exactly what you were expecting.
