morning departure

i stand at the car and kiss you goodbye
she sticks her tongue out, devil girl
he, shy in the backseat looks on in understanding
waiting for their drive to school

i wave and turn and go to the fence
watching for the car
wave and wave again
turn again and head inside

the house so empty
as i sit here and explode in the loneliness
of your absences
the door opens and you are here
caught me
catching tears
in my mustache

see
you see me
a man as i am
endured third largest truck
and six meter high seas
you see me
catching tears

you sit on my lap
tell me how you couldn't leave just then
we speak
i explain how much i love you all
how unexpected these feelings are
so deep

"i have to go now; will you walk me to the car?"

we dance on the front lawn
to the car radio
hold each other
so gentle.
the goodbye is sweeter as i go back to the fence
i wave
jump and wave.

i think of how i have to tell them

she will become a very beautiful woman one day

in so many ways

and he will help people and find joy

and great purpose in doing so

how much

a man as i

can love them.

and when they come to visit with stories
of their lives
we will stand at the fence you and i
wave
and cry at
their goodbyes
dance in the front yard
turn
walk hand in hand
inside
where you will sit on my lap
and we will catch tears together
in a few years.