Departure
My son returned to his university early this morning.
Awake most of the night, I had no problem getting up;
I wanted to make him a good breakfast, something to hold him,
But he said cereal was all he wanted, maybe some juice.
He was planning to eat later on the road, with Curt;
He'd be picking Curt up on the way. Curt? I asked.
We're in a lot of the same classes, he said.
So I offered to help pack his car, and got up from the table,
Stacks of pancakes still steaming, ham, eggs sitting there,
But he said never mind, it's all done, I'm not taking much;
Curt's already got all the stuff we'll need in the apartment.
I thought you were staying in the dorm, I said, puzzled,
Wondering when I'd missed hearing about that change in plans.
Oh no, he said, it's all arranged. I moved my things before Christmas.
So Curt isn't just riding back with you; you're good friends?
Not just friends, Dad, he said. We're together now. He's my boyfriend.
Oh, I said.
By then he had his parka on, knitted cap, gloves;
I could barely see his face as he walked away.
He was halfway to the car before I could speak:
Goodbye, Son, I said. He turned. I love you, boy.
Thank God he heard me;
When he ran back into my arms I could see his eyes were just as wet as mine.
This poem is copyright 2006 Merkin, to whom comments may be sent.
