For Pop, now that Im grown

I see you now,
With my grown-up eyes

I understand your sacrifices now,
With my paternal mind

I recognize your strengths now,
In the lines of my face
And
In the build of my son

I accept your weaknesses now,
As I would a friend’s

I empathize with you now,
For the endless frustrations
I unleashed upon you

I believe in you now,
Just as I always have

I thank you
From the reservoir
Of my heart
For raising me
Into the man I have become
And
For the knowledge
To raise my son
Just as you did me


You are the leader
Of our pack
Of our clan
Of our pride
Of our family

And we love you.

When will you die?