I want to be a father
like the men
I’ve loved.
Each with their
little starfish
beside them.
Their bold Arctic flag.
Their tug of affirmation
who fright me with the eye
and bone and jaw
I recognize and thought
I claimed as mine.
I’d like to give
without disgrace
my name.
To search for he, for she
exclusively.
To neither
give away nor loan.
I want to know
how love can grow irrevocable
and prove the fable true.
A love exists that gives.
And won’t take back what’s given.
Like the men.