If I could, I would
slow down time
so that I could stay
in this moment
for as long as possible.

If I could, I would
take as many years
as possible to
let this moment unfold.

This moment with you.

I would take my time
and memorize every
line of your face.
I would run every
silky strand of your
hair through my fingers.

I would take my time
and linger over every kiss.
I would savor the sweet
smell of your skin.
Revel in the sound
of your deep throaty
laugh.

In this moment with you....

I would show you
just how much I love you.
I would say it over and
over again.
I would marvel at just
how perfectly I fit in
your arms.

I would, If I could....

Instead....I'll hug you
and ask you how
you've been.
I'll talk with you
about times past,
then smile through
my tears as you walk away.

Like clockwork each day
Near the edge
Of the bay
A little old man arrives
He sits down in the grass
Watches boaters fly past
And fishers go on
With their lives

All around the people
Rush about in a hurry
Without a word or even
A stare
To a man with scarred skin
Papered over weak bone
Deep wrinkles
And snowy white hair

His name is James
Though I’m sure you don’t care
But once was a time it meant something
Somewhere
The war has been won
History left it behind
Yet it continues to play
Inside of James’ mind

Late at night
when all the world
is sound asleep
I sit silently
at the top
of our favorite hill
and watch the sky
without blinking
not even for
a single moment
I watch
hoping for
some sort of sign
that you are
still with me

do you see my sad eyes?
do you hear my midnight cries?
can you feel the pain in my heart?
or the constant aching I hold inside?

yes, heaven got an angel
the day you arrived
but now
I am living in hell
and the earthly flames
consume me greedily
day by day
pieces of me dissolve
into the loneliness
of my fractured heart
without you
I burn fircely
without even
putting up a fight

You were there
from day one  
You are my father
I am your son

First taught me to walk.
Then taught me to run
You are my father
I am your son

Fished with me
in the hot summer sun
You are my father
I am your son

Gladly accepted
each girls heart I won
You are my father
I am your son

Taught me to drive
that stick it was fun
You are my father
I am your son

Saw me off to the army
my adult life begun
You are my father
I am your son

Now I am married
perhaps a grandson
You are my father
I am your son

The angels came calling
your time here is done
You are my father
I am your son

I really miss you
this grief weighs a ton
You are my father
I am your son

You'll always be my father
now I've become one
I am the father
I have a son