When you make your silent commute
On just another Tuesday, shrouded
By early morning dusk
Which ghosts ride along with you
Passenger side, when you drive
By the old middle school
Your old high school, once upon a time
From which life do the memories visit?

Do you remember the day
You clocked out early
To pick your oldest up before lunch
Turning into the drive you pass by
Now, he had sprained his ankle
How did you feel
When he clambered into the backseat and admitted
To not being hurt, except for his feelings
A bully had yanked his shorts down to the ankles

Do you remember the impetus
For uttering the phrase
“Stop crying” or “be a man” or “get over it”
Was it the nightly bickering
Or the credit card bills or
Your hours being cut again
Did your father tell you the same
For similar reasons and now
Maybe you understand him?

Do you ever wonder
If I want to understand you?