NaPoWriMo Day #2

Today's prompt: "Write a platonic love poem. In other words, a poem not about a romantic partner, but some other kind of love – your love for your sister, or a friend, or even your love for a really good Chicago deep dish pizza. The poem should be written directly to the object of your affections (like a letter is written to “you”), and should describe at least three memories of you engaging with that person/thing."

This poem is dedicated to my father, who has supported me so much.

For Dad

I.

When I came home from school drowning in my head, near panic attack, ribs a prison,

You helped me breathe: talked to me until the tears flooded out 

and my head was dry again, then

wrapped your arms around me 

like the branches of a 

Great sycamore. 

II.

Far too often I come home to see your branches drooping and bark peeling.

You’ve been looking for a new job for years, 

but each opportunity slips through your leaves.

When the pastor prayed over the educators in the congregation,

I put my hand on your shoulder. 

I hoped you could feel the love flowing from my palm like

Water to your roots.

III.

You’ve always had such a loud laugh.

At all of my shows,

I can hear your baritone guffaw echoing through the forest of the auditorium—

shaking your trunk until the birds fly from your branches.

Embarrassment and pride ever bloom in my chest.

“That’s my dad,” I tell my baffled castmates.