Inside him was a feeling
But he didn't really understand
Mom said, "This is Daddy,"
As he touched the fabric with his hand
And frowned
Because it wasn't rough with stubble like his dad
Wasn't warm and strong and gentle
Didn't have the smile he had
He explored the three tight corners
Saw the white stars set in blue--
Couldn't find a single feature
Of the father that he knew
Then within his naïve mind
A troubling thought began to nag
He asked,
"Mommy, why did Daddy
Have to turn into a flag?"
Through her tears
She tried to answer him
The best way that she could
But he didn't understand it
And he never really would.

12/06/2005