the beast

you were there all wrinkly
your hair long gone, just like your father

and we had been through things
secrets God told to only us
and which we kept

and i saw a boy who walked like you
and had your laugh
and loved his momma
like you do

and i saw me crying
and smiling
both because of you

and i felt your hand
on my leg in church
years ahead in time
not unlike the way it is now
and

this time now was remembered
with pain but as a catalyst
for our growth
a phase
but

i can't be the only one who's sure,
for faith and reassurance
are too big of beasts
for one to take on
all alone