Today I found out my father had died
I was surprised to find tears on my cheeks
To feel the achy hollowness of grief
All this for a man notable only by his absence
The star of Momma's booze fueled rages
Childhood's boogeyman
Never there, Never come but ever lurking
James Britton Nelson, I never knew you
But you taught me well
Because of your example
'You're just like your father! '
Is not a slap in the face to my child
Rest in Peace, James Britton Nelson
Defined more by what you did not do
Than ever by what you have done
Perhaps, had I met you
I'd find I am unfair
We will never know
All roads to 'what if' are eternally closed
For my own peace
I forgive you.
(James Britton Nelson Aug 30,1932-Jan 31,2007)
This poem has not been translated into any other language yet.
I would like to translate this poem