Fathers and Sons live complicated lives of love and joy mixed with mimesis and desire. When love is present then life can carry them to a place of mutual respect and equality as men. If we had good father’s then ‘metaphorically’ we stood upon their shoulders. I would not be who I am had it not been for the best of my father’s traits and stories.

This poem is a reflection on loss, family, aging, and faith. It is born of my personal life, Yet, life is more complicated than a poem.The tragic mental breakdown and slow suffering death of their beloved mother weighed heavy on us. Her story is more than they know and although I saw it, it was more than I. My relationship with each one of my middle aged offspring is vastly different due to life’s blessings, challenges, and circumstances. I love each of them with a depth they do not yet know. I know that I have not always made them happy with my choices or my view on life. I do not think they have grasped the life and person I have been separate from their coming into the world. This is, in part, due to the separation of generational experience. We all stand on the shoulders of those who came before us. I can only say everyone should be blessed to have children as wonderful as mine!

When faith is part of the romantic journey it is a heavenly enterprise for ensuring life flourishes with promises.