A FATHER'S LONGING FOR HIS SON

i wanted to be there
with you
for the first time
and the next too
i wanted to be there
when you took your first step
or when you said
your first word
i wish i could see you
when you crack that
beautiful smile of yours
or be with you
when you cried
at night helpessly
or babbled endlessly

i wish i could
take you to your school
on your first day
or be with you
when you performed
in front of everyone
or when you made
a home run
i wish i could see you
like you are now
not higher than
my knees
with your beatiful
round face
and sharp eyes
and your hair so soft
i am sorry i couldn't
be there to see any of this

but don't you worry
my dear child
i have video tapes
of everything
since the time you
first wore your uniform
or when you bruised your knee
or when you ran
in the field chasing butterflies
with your hair
blowing in the wind
because even though
i want to be there too
i have a mother here who
needs me more
for today and tomorrow
morning after night
i have to be here
to protect you, your mother
and people just like you
bound in our tree colour
and i have
miles to go in my
olive green colours
for you
and for the land
we all belong to