As my son sits on my lap
leaning his back on my chest
and my arms wrapped
in fatherly love,
I feel his heart beat
a soft patter.
I place my cheek on his head
and breathe innocence.
A tear comes to my eye
as I think of his future
and the impression
I’m making on him.
My throat tightens
as I wonder, if I’m doing right,
as I think about my decisions
my actions
that roll to his view.
I want to hold and protect
very well knowing
that will just harm.
Suddenly he turns
with a slightly crooked smile
and a glimmer of love
in his eye.
Without words he says,
all is okay.

~Schleup
© Steven Schleupner, 2017