My father was the guru of my youth,
responding to my questions patiently.
It felt as if he always told the truth –
he gave me answers with calm mastery,
or helped me understand we haven’t yet.
We ranged from old philosophy to song,
discussed theology, and didn’t let
our culture tell us where we both belong.

I felt completely safe with him, so much
so that I pushed against him as I grew.
He sheltered me till I could fly, and such
is what should happen now – you’re overdue.
No more do we need me appearing right;
get over the constraint – it’s out of sight.