He once walked with them.
But slightly ahead of them.
Like a flock of geese, he was the point.
But, there were times where he gave in; smoked a joint.
Never knowing he would get farther.
Never thought he’d be a dedicated father.
His shame of the past causes him to carry a low head.
Falling lower than the edge of his bed.
Sitting on the old steps, he stares with his old confidence.
And in his mind, the rise of remembrance.
His wrinkles reveal the memories he’s having.
Remembering his young face, and saying:
“We were children then. Now we’re men.
They all say that they wish I would have stayed.
But I say to them, ‘Look what I’ve made’.”