On the tree, dead Poison Ivy leaves reveal a vine that was missed

Morning sun catches slick legs, toes outstretched, frozen in warmth near surface

Post deluge, slick hoppers lay suspended, savoring fresh water

I used to read to you
in voices
as an actor would
the actor
and father that I was
in front of a child
and today
I read with you
both in voices
as two actors would
the actors
the father and daughter
that we are
infront of many children
full circle

"They may not bloom year one" she said yet, planted in a new yard they do.

Soon we will be apart
not for good
but still apart

That I will miss you
is a given

but we will see each other again
on a weekend or two
over vacations
holidays

it'll be different from here on out
this will not be your home base
yours will be yours
new
not ours

but at least we'll have
facebook
text messages
cell phones

so even though we won't be together
we also won't really be
apart

Eighteen
and after years at home
with mom
and dad
life truly begins
big changes
spreading wings
leaving the nest

and in the wake of these big changes
a mom and dad
stand at an open door
proud
a little sad
and
with arms around each other
watch
smiling
with tears on their cheeks
as their child
now an adult
takes flight