WHAT YOU BUILD IN ME

Dad, you were the
golden light that shined
all through my life,
even through those months
and years when I was
three time zones away
and the bitter hurt of that. 

I am full of appreciation
for who you were
and are to me.

You fucked up, but I
forgive you. 

Forgiveness
comes from a place
in me
that you built,
sleeves rolled up,
hammer, nails,
and a soothing salve you rubbed in
for when you knew
you couldn't be with me.
 

—by Aaron Clegg
April 2010