February 18, 2006
For Margaret and Mark
Today, for some reason, I see you not in the city,
but somewhere in the country,
somewhere with horses and barking dogs, and fences where there should be fences.
Mark must see it too. He’s already standing up on one of the horses like a circus performer, shouting:
Hey, pay attention, this isn’t easy you know.
And,
of course, you’re right up there with him, blowing kisses and whistling
at the crazy jumping barking dogs who keep leaping through
the big O of your arms like a hoop on fire.
Maybe the others see it too. I hope so.
You have to look at life a certain way to see it’s not quite what you see.
I know the dogs and horses do.
They wouldn’t have anything to look forward to if they didn’t. Nor would I. Nor the two of you, who have grown beautiful beyond words.
Love,
Dad.