A Father's Lament

Photo Brian Federle, Hawaii, 2016

Spring fills this dry land

With life, yet

I cannot see your face

or embrace you with a father’s love

as I did when last you filled our lives

with your easy laughter

and beautiful eyes.

Shall I speak to you, tell  how

small birds gather

in the budding apple tree

hungry no more,

filled with joy?

I cry out to you

and the startled birds

fall into silence,

Let me tell you, then,

Of my new life without you.

Deep in my side I feel endless pain

where my heart once beat;

now I merely breathe

emptiness.

My son, oh, where have you gone?

Call to me from the brilliant heights,

for deep in darkness I lie

crying to see you just

one more

time.

(for Brian Federle, 3/4/86 - 3/25/17)