FOR FATHERS WITH CHILDREN FAR AWAY

NAMESAKE


And I won't be there
when
disconsolate
you'll cry
Because

you pinched your hand
or
when playing ball
got hit, or fell...
or things don't go so well

Or to exult with you in victory
or soothe the agony of your defeats

While others turn and find someone
to share with them their joys
or pains

you'll be alone
I will be gone

Arrows that soar
from miles away
unseeing, find me

In sleep, I dream
of shielding you from all

Instead, I lie awake
and feel you from afar.