At Forty - Eight Poem by JDC LeDrew

My long face-
My long in the tooth face looks frightened.
On this June night you are sixteen.
Seventeen friends will meet in the park
You tell me.

Each and every one, sterling in character.
Each young man an expert driver,
You tell me.

The plan to eat pizza, then dancing at some boy’s house,
Later maybe a movie.
“Don’t you trust me? ”
“Yes” I said,
“Just call me if you need me to come and rescue you.”

No words can explain my irrational fear,
My urge to protect,
The depth of my love for you.

At midnight I await your arrival, bleary eyed and tired.
Flesh of my flesh,
I will rejoice in your home coming,
My teenage girl.

“Don’t you trust me? ” you asked.
“Just call me if you need me, ” I replied.
Knowing all the while,
Your fine character and luck
Would rescue me.