Perceived Parenting From Beyond
Was it you?
There will be no permanent solutions to temporary problems here
When you grew cool and your body finally relaxed its grip on life
Were you the hawk perched on the streetlight facing us through the hospital room window signaling it was your time to fly
We watched every documentary on winged things together
Man-made and nature-made
Was the most perfect petite yellow butterfly that flitted near my face on my walk to air out my emotions you
And when I made an error in judgement regarding a friend
I swear you showed up in the pre-dawn hours to stare me down
A silent watcher in the neighbor’s backyard
I spoke to you
I said don’t leave
I mean you no harm
When I tried to snap that second pic
You snorted a haughty huff and dashed away in a hurry
Was it you?
I’m lost dad
You always seem to find me when I need a reminder
Like a swift kick in the pants
Your thoughts are loud
Or are they mine now
Live goddammit
Fuck up
Live shittily
But live
What else is there