the first time I
saw You,
she was afraid

he was a child.

she loved
held hoped
she gave him kisses
from her hand

he became a wild bird
thrashing
laughing
I laughed then too.

he was a boy.

he sat in desks and
scratched obscenities in them -
got in trouble

she scolded
exasperation
understanding
love
she held

he was a boy.

he thought
chose
learned sought
grew

You tethered himself
to her
and reached upward
but always came home

but could not touch
the sky
it was not enough
to brush it with his toes
in the swing

he was a man.
she was afraid.

she could hold him now
and now
he did not want
to be held

she
I groped for his


your hand -
stay -
no -

he did not stay.

the last time I
saw You
You said goodbye
to I
did not look back

I loves You
and
she is proud
of
You.