My Dear Alai

He looks at me with
a wonder and love that
makes my heart ache.

He makes my two arms
work like four as I
care for him.

His laughter, giggles, babbling
are like music to my soul
making it dance with love.

He smiles in the morning light
looking upon my face and I know
that he sees me like no other.

He curls up in my arms
and I know that I would
give my life or take another's
to protect him.

He is a gift from God
entrusted into my care to guide
him along God's path
until the day he walks this path
on his own.

He is my chance at redeeming my ancestors
to right wrongs,
to fulfill hopes,
to break the cycle of Han
that has followed me.

Into him I will pour
the love withheld,
the protection withheld,
the security withheld,
with the hope that a new
legacy will take shape in
this Defender of Man.

Eyes Forward

Look to the right
Look to the left
Would he carry me up
two flights of stairs
when I can't walk?
Would he fly away
to work for a week
only to come home for a day
to clean then leave again?

Look to the right
Look to the left
Would he forsake sleep
to hold my hand,
press a cold cloth to my forehead,
during the pains of labor?
Would he hold and protect
our newborn child
facing down fears of fatherhood?

Look to the right
Look to the left
Would he carry the burden
of supporting our family
so I can raise our son?
Would he be the first
face I see every morning
with gratitude and love?

Look straight ahead
Look at him
There is no greener grass
than the spot I now stand on.

The Working Man

In your tired eyes
there is warmth
radiating from your love.

In your quiet sigh
there is dedication
born of integrity.

In your quiet contemplation
there is longing
to reach your full potential.

You wake each morning
to step out into a world
that your son will one day inherit.

as the morning sun fills
the room with its warm glow
you iron your shirt
with attention to detail -

as you spray on your
cologne that lingers long after
you close the door behind you -

your son watches
learning the actions of
love,
dedication,
integrity,
potential
and we love you for it.