I see me as I look back in the rearview mirror
after dropping you off in the front of your school,
the way you walk alone, carrying your book bag.
Times when you draw characters from comic books,
propped up, watching cartoons on a 13 inch TV,
laughing weakly at some of the jokes or antics.
Memorizing state capitals for places you’ve never been,
knowing the mascots for all of the college teams.
Dreaming of the feeling of being the tight end
catching the pass in the end zone to win the game.
I see me when you push vegetables to the corner
of the plate, eating some, gagging, drinking after a bite.
Guzzling iced tea, licking fingers coated in barbecue sauce,
enjoying dinner at a restaurant, disliking take-out food.
Piles of dirty clothes on the floor, shoes under the bed.
Putting off work that you don’t feel like doing just yet.
Writing stories, reading about dragons, medieval warriors,
appreciating the magnitude and impact of historical events.
Feeling left out, not fitting in, wanting to be liked by the girls,
looking to be in the cool group, somehow knowing you never will.
Sometimes you wonder if a true friend will ever appear to share ideas
or to hang out with to play games, eat pizza, and have good times.
Facing ridicule because of size, not able to do a proper push up,
because you wore a sweater vest, running sneakers, a certain jersey.
Always having to deal with what the jerks say or think about you.
Being strong enough to tell them to shut your mouth,
back off, mind your own business, and if you keep doing that,
it’ll all work out, with time, lots of time.
after dropping you off in the front of your school,
the way you walk alone, carrying your book bag.
Times when you draw characters from comic books,
propped up, watching cartoons on a 13 inch TV,
laughing weakly at some of the jokes or antics.
Memorizing state capitals for places you’ve never been,
knowing the mascots for all of the college teams.
Dreaming of the feeling of being the tight end
catching the pass in the end zone to win the game.
I see me when you push vegetables to the corner
of the plate, eating some, gagging, drinking after a bite.
Guzzling iced tea, licking fingers coated in barbecue sauce,
enjoying dinner at a restaurant, disliking take-out food.
Piles of dirty clothes on the floor, shoes under the bed.
Putting off work that you don’t feel like doing just yet.
Writing stories, reading about dragons, medieval warriors,
appreciating the magnitude and impact of historical events.
Feeling left out, not fitting in, wanting to be liked by the girls,
looking to be in the cool group, somehow knowing you never will.
Sometimes you wonder if a true friend will ever appear to share ideas
or to hang out with to play games, eat pizza, and have good times.
Facing ridicule because of size, not able to do a proper push up,
because you wore a sweater vest, running sneakers, a certain jersey.
Always having to deal with what the jerks say or think about you.
Being strong enough to tell them to shut your mouth,
back off, mind your own business, and if you keep doing that,
it’ll all work out, with time, lots of time.
9 comments:
and sometimes when you tell them..they do back off..leaving in peace your soul as it is
Parenting is no walk in the park, but it sure is rewarding when you can uplift them. Beautifully written dear friend.
wow! dis is gr8! i love it!!...
Growing up is just so hard Lorenzo ... we feel so inadequate as kids - at least the nice ones do.
Later he'll say 'Thanks for being there Dad'.
This is so absolutely beautiful and insightful.....I may understand these moments at times but I understand you poem L. I find myself thinking...I hope you know how muich you are worth....it literally shines on this page.
Linda
this is absolutely the best. he's lucky to have a father as observant as you.
I really enjoyed this Lorenzo.
It reminded me of my own three children through the different stages in life......now with grandchildren on the scene the circle of life continues.
well done.
Foggy and cool here, for right now. Should get sunny and maybe in the 40's today. I've learned not to worry about what people think. That comes with age, I think. I know who loves and cares for me and that is all that matters. Interestingthoughts your poem provokes.
Have a great weekend.
Fatherhood is tough and so rewarding...
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