I Remember My Father

He was always larger than life
gone before we woke
but came home with an exhilaration
that lifted me towards him at a run.

I knew there would be fun and peace
from my mother who tended to be harsh.

He had a great capacity for love
and wasn’t afraid to show it.

He taught me how to observe
before I asked too many questions
and figure things out before I despaired.

He expected me to match his strength
and energy because I wasn’t
as pretty as my mother.

She was crazy about him too
and missed him when he 
went to work each day.

I never competed for his attention

he had enough for everyone.