It's all relative

The ties that bind

I wake up in the morning, and you’re there.

I come home from work. You’re there.

I sit down for supper. You’re there.

Clean up the kitchen. Still there.

Lay my head down at night. Right there.

I love you with all my heart.

Why won't you leave me alone?

[50]

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Permanent Record

Her stepfather's fingerprints purpled her throat. Cigarette burns branded her arms.

All that before she ever told him about the baby.

"Stupid whore."

A single shot put a stop to that.

Twenty years later, I sit with my friend, watching him sketch portraits for the daughter who visits him monthly.

[50]

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Feed

The code learns me faster than I can discover myself.

It suggests friends I should have, clothes to wear, food to eat, partners to love, places to visit, things to see and do.

I feed it my attention. It eats up every byte.

It loves me more than I do.

[50]

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Symbiosis

The parasite doesn't consider itself evil. It simply exists, taking what it needs.

I watch it through the microscope, elegant in its efficiency, beautiful in its devastation.

Later, I stare at my reflection while swallowing pills that might kill me to kill it.

My first marriage ended the same way.

[50]

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Reunion

Twenty years later, I recognize him instantly. Same laugh. Loud. Carefree and confident.

He squints at my nametag. I touch the scar he left.

His daughter looks exactly like me at sixteen. Eyes down. Arms folded in front of her. Timid. Shy. Scared

My hands tremble.

I order another drink.

[50]

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Homecoming

The old diner's gone. School's abandoned. Main Street's a row of empty storefronts.

I park outside our first apartment. Different siding. New carports. Larger dumpster. Your name still carved in that old oak tree.

A girl watches from the window – my window. She's wearing your expression.

I drive away.

Again.

[50]

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Testament

I never understood you. So serious, hard-nosed, distant. No wonder we didn't get along.

But I appreciate now what I didn't understand then.

I see your hands when I fix things, hear your laugh when I'm with my children, and feel your patience when I wait for them to learn what can't be taught.

I am steady because you never wavered, curious because you let me explore, loyal because you always welcomed me home.

I am a better husband because of your example, a better father because I was your son, and a better man because I was your boy.

[100]

Look, Dad - I’m doing it! You were right. You were right all along.

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Hey, you beautiful human. I love you for you 🤗

Please do the same for yourself.

Thank you so much for showing up. 🙏

You are more powerful than you know.

—Paul

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p.s. If you appreciate my work, please consider buying me a Diet Coke.

I’ll love you forever ♥️ ☺️