Fathering Poem by Nassy Fesharaki

Fathering

"I recall your voice when
-you shouted: ‘He is bum.'"

"Have tried to forget but my son
-that insult can never leave my mind
-firm it is in heart as a carving on a rock.

Am afraid of the day that you too
-may hear
-the same thing from mouth of someone.

That moment, already, has shattered my poor heart.

Have you turned a father? I don't know
-am sure that shall feel me, when become.

That moment will ring bells
-in series
-each of them an insult
-that will sound
-hot-mark-rod when burning
-the skin

I pray to God and good hearts and the cosmos
-ask them to forgive you and love you

These words came from a father in a corner
-lonely he
-was assured of the walls and ears

Clouds shaped of his sighs,
-and tears; when murmured