Heavy with deepest deep sleep
he feels layers begin to un-zip
one by a bleary other
they all strip off.

Aware now of small moving feet
shuffling away he starts a hazy
ascent but finds drousiness
wanting to stay.

Too early, he knows he leaves
dreams half done and grieves
missing wars almost won
but rudely awakened
chores have begun.

Wearily raises sleep-held lids
to see standing, wide-eyed
and night-attired his kids
with tray over-filled.

And all shouting as planned
a loud 'Happy Father's Day'
for tho' tactlessly done
in a flash he rolls over
hugging each one.

"Love" as a word expresses
and covers
a single Dad doing his best.