a black and white picture of me
has been hung for years
in every house you’ve lived:
three years old
stuck in a car seat and staring at the camera, i smile
through the glass

every holiday we talk, sometimes
in person
“did the Cubs win yesterday?”
“they never do.”

i hate sitting in silence when you’re in the room
watching television
hiding behind books

i never knew you were proud

it’s hard to admit that you were
the man who stood behind me

a black and white picture of me
has been hung for years
in every house you’ve lived