PoetryAloud
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The Ride HomeWhen you were a baby I stayed home with you
I heard your first “daddy” at breakfast and “fox” at the zoo I taught you to say “astounding” to impress your mom And “oh crap” when we saw crazy neighbor Tom I washed you in a bucket, on the balcony outside I laughed myself silly and felt amazing inside. I fed you guacamole and refried beans When I changed your diaper it was nothing I’d ever seen I took you to the park and the hardware store We picked up acorns and screws for the door We sang songs on Main Street so far off key That people at the bus stop, craned their necks to see When I read you books I did voices and sounds You laughed and you laughed, at the characters we found. I met you in Boston this morning for tea I heard you say “dad” and ask about me We walked to your apartment so you could play me a song Written for a friend you hadn’t known that long It was full of heart and a strange sense of peace For a young man your age you seemed so at ease You said “oh crap” when I told you about the time I walked down Main Street pretending to be a mime When I left for the train you said “enjoy the ride.” I knew I already had and felt amazing inside. |
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