it is not okay
to be a wounded boy
as a man
acting from pain
yet
a human
leans toward
sky
the child
sees
as if it is still
arriving
each time
anew
he is unafraid
of not knowing
he leaves space
at the table
for wonder
he bends
to time and wind
listens
letting the world
in
he cries
when it rises
he circles back
to his mistakes
learning
where he broke
it is the man
who builds walls
and calls it
wisdom
who pockets storms
until they bloom
in his chest
who fills his hands
with silence
and calls it
strength
when we are all
lost
drowning
in our armour
a boy
will still
protect
what he loves
but he floats
trailing light
phosphorescence
somewhere
between surface
and deep
weightless
joy
breaking open
love
uncontained
smiles
without warning
it is the man
who says
love
is dangerous
turning away
dimming the room
to feel safe
bring out the boy
let him be
the father
