Apologies Unwarranted
Published in
Dec 14, 2020
TV blaring, screaming
about the latest shooting, robbery, or fire.
Bad news all around.
The lines on your face grow
deeper, weary, tired,
steeling your blazing blue eyes,
you look at me
mouth moving with effort
to produce sound,
An apology.
“I’m sorry I was a bad father.”
Anguish carves lines deep into your face,
years of absence
missed birthdays
bedtime stories
lazy Sundays
first steps
first words
all in the name of an oath to
“protect and serve”.