Reconciliation

I loved my father's gentle ways
even when he drove me crazy
by the need to reconcile his needs
with my own

I learned from Pop to eat words
that cause small pain and anger
to suppress the need to hear my name
shouted over others

Dad never wore his judge robes well
or felt the need to speak in stone
his words instead like velvet were
always gentle on the ear

His singing voice though hoarse and rough
blended in with nature
his visage when he sang those hymns
lighted from within

I loved my father's gentle ways
and even though I found him lying lifeless
I still feel bound to reconcile
​his life with my own