The Father-Son Stories

The Unread Letter (IV)

Life Realities

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Hey,
big man!

can I get
some advice?

I know
you tried
to prepare me

but,
damn
this life is hard

I know
you can’t hear me

but,
you’re the only one
haunting
my thoughts and dreams

How did you
do it?

How did you
become a man?

How were you
meeting
all our needs,

Or was it
all a facade?

Was I
too young
to see
we were struggling?

Or too naive
to not know
what a good life is?

You never told me
it would be this
difficult

You never said
the size of your shoes
would be
this ridiculous

I’m trying
I swear I am,
but
it is just
slipping away
from me

Fighting,
too many battles,
but I guess
I must suck it up

I have no choice.
The first son,
right?

©️ Fọlábòmí Àmọ̀ó 2023

If you enjoyed this poem, please consider reading:

My Son

The Unread Letter (II)