I'm old enough
to understand,
old man,
what it takes to drag your body out of bed
at one in the morning.
I understand the frustration,
father,
of a cold drive all alone.
I understand the ********
dad,
of a good job unappreciated.
But I do not yet understand,
daddy,
the fierce sacrifice,
the silent suffering,
the self crucifixion, immolation, flagellation,
of a man who loves his family
more than he loves himself.