Aging Father

which present will make him
love me   which will calm
his nerves

which present will make him
treat mom better   make him view
me with some value in his eyes

which present will suffice
since presents do not alter
emotions for very long

which present will mark him “honored”
satisfy this year‘s requirement
then I’m on to other things

which present will show him I’m beginning
to understand the time and energy
required to be a parent 

which present will reflect
my knowledge of the father role
now that I’m a single mom

which present does he need
to soften his comfort  ease his pain
remind him  I’m still here

which presents do I find
stacked neat into drawers  
skin bracer and talcum powder
we clear out his room  
family pictures on the wall