Brian’sPoems

Making Peace with Father

The winter ice forms slowly in the day
but hardens quickly during bitter cold nights.
Soon you will walk upon the glass
without even hearing it crack.
That’s when you’re in the deep freeze
and there’s not even a suspicion
spring will someday come
and begin to thaw those parts of you
now hidden beneath that ice.

A single winter becomes an ice age
if you solidify around your anger.
Earth first shivers and then groans
beneath the grinding weight
of the glaciers now carrying
the enormity of your pain and suffering.
Even the plants and animals
begin to doubt a return to summer.

...

Then somewhat mysteriously,
you turn back towards the sun,
and with that first drop,
the ice starts to melt.

The birds soon rejoice
spreading the news far and wide.
And the trees send out buds
to create the leaves
which will capture the sun’s warmth.

Meanwhile you thaw slowly,
emerging from your icy sarcophagus,
reanimated by the love
you expected from your father,
and now realize was not his alone
to give.