Father

Of course, I know my Father is dead

I took the call from the hospital

I went to the funeral and did the talking

I held my Mother among the mourners 

There can be no doubt about it

And I haven’t seen him around for a while

So that’s the clincher.

But then again, I saw him yesterday

In the hall of the old house

In the threshold mirror

As a moving man walked past

With the shape of his face 

Triggering a reflection of my Father

In a short, silent, dad-cast.

And this morning I found him hiding in a letter

Coming into the open in its unfolding

He stayed out for most of the day

Holding the saw when I cut wood

Walking with me 

And coasting the car in neutral,

He saved the gearbox.

I like this new Dad, whiffling along

In the weave of the day

He doesn’t shout anymore, say I’m stupid

He’s given up telling me I’m clumsy

There’s no more “Do You Understand?”

Like a flag after a fete

I may furl him away.