Silent he, <br />the Sentinel Dad, <br />rampart high, <br />just beyond emotion's walls- <br />over which <br />messages are tossed; <br />and gifts showered saying <br />'I love you child.' <br /> <br />But he did not <br />leave enough <br />his Provider Post- <br />manned at all costs <br />but silently spoke <br />miming <br />'don't you know <br />I love you most? ' <br /> <br />And I <br />in child's reply <br />could not hear- <br />craving instead <br />a child's hug. <br /> <br />I eventually understood <br />someone must <br />bear the lonely watch <br />so that others might sit <br />the warming fire; <br /> <br />part destiny <br />part parts played <br />by Dad <br />and me. <br /> <br />Love <br />seen <br />and unseen; <br /> <br />Father-soldiers born <br />and then they die. <br /> <br />his duty <br />stoked on rampart high <br />wick burned low <br />each night; <br /> <br />occasionally I see <br />ember sentiments float by <br />muted, inarticulate <br /> <br />love's firefly’s extent <br />just beyond <br />my child's eye; <br /> <br />so cruel this: <br /> <br />Security <br />and Love <br />bent <br />by circumstance— <br />both he and I.<br /><br />Lonnie Hicks<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/sentinel-dad/
