To be the man I want to be,
that I know I should be.
Father, friend, husband, lover,
these are the things which escape me.

I look at you, at her, him,
in eyes I see within
my failure.
The way you look upon me,
wishing I were someone other—
our mutual hunger.

Each night I pray,
forgiveness, guidance, love and understanding.
The very same I myself
reluctant advancing.

My cheek stings by correction's notice.
Loving him, to love my clan.
To ask him, is to beg man.

An apology, not in word but in deed.
To seek and uncover a new self,
not insuring soul redeemed.

Rather to show than say,
my sons, wife, I am sorry—
tomorrow is
a new day.