An applesauce cup thrown at the wall,
an open face peanut butter sandwich,
disregarded
flicked off the table
and landing
on its stupid,
open face.
Scratches and kicks;
screams and kicks;
kicks and meltdowns.
Tears,
exhaustion,
doubt.
And from the depth from
where there is nothing left,
the stretch to shower
your little one
with unconditional support.
When they don’t let you
when you don’t feel like
because you know is there
even if you can’t grasp it.
One last breath
escaping
the father’s lungs.
Slumped shoulder.
Tired brows.
Battered will.
A forced smile,
a forced hug,
a forced word.
Today will soon be another day,
another sun will renew this bond;
from dry soil,
a sprout.
From a depleted heart
a smile,
a hug,
a word.
True love;
love
like you have never
known before.
