Christopher's Father
Suddenly you are
taller
smarter
deeper
older
and slightly colder
to me,
Like you think
if you get too close
you will become
a child again.
I’d like to give you
advice,
tell you that
how you act now will
shape the man
you become,
set the stage
for future
relationships,
form the prototype
against which
you measure
your success,
But I’m no longer
at the helm,
steering
the toboggan
with you clinging
to my back,
or leading the way
through traffic
on our bikes,
teaching you
the rules of the road,
your hand
seeking mine
at street corners,
waiting for lights
to turn green.
The only thing
in front of you
now is your conscience.
May it steer you
well.