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this one started in the morning with the
sun already too hot before it was even
fully positioned in the sky. a father. a daughter.
one eager. the other lethargic before
they even began to run. not even a kilometre in
one stops and claims a cramp. they walk for most
of the rest. one finds it hard not to showcase
his despondency. the other mopes behind him
to avoid a lecture on pushing through challenges.
people preach unconditional
love as if it’s easy. but who can be satisfied
when things aren’t how we like. every parental
disappointment is a mirror of missed opportunities
to have taught more clearly. we are chain links in our parents
attempts to be better versions of themselves.

this one ended in the evening with the
a thunderstorm. a father. a daughter.
this time the younger one ready for the first day
of middle school. you know what I don’t get-
he says earnestly and rehearsed- why do think
girls tend to lose confidence as they enter middle school,
even though they are brilliant and boys tend to
gain confidence without much to back it up- silence-
i mean take you for example. you’re the girl who played a set
at hard rock cafe in fourth grade and sang in tent plaza
all by yourself. you are vibrant and smart and loved
and a certifiable bad ass- a smile- what do you have
to be nervous about? channel your inner rebel girl
and own that place tomorrow- i’d get suspended dad!-
not necessarily. just be yourself and have fun doing it-
lights out. tucked in. kiss on the forehead. every parental
win is a mirror of successful opportunities
to get it just right. we are chain links in our parents
attempts to be better versions of themselves.