For Isaac

              “Division is recommended” 
                                    –       Almanac.com  

Stature isn’t everything
but if one of us leans
a head on a shoulder

you’ve overtaken me.
I still remember you
twenty-one inches,

in my arms, amid the night
cholic & crying
til I carried you

outside, under the stars—
the way you peered
silently into the sky.

For seven weeks
I’ve been lost
& you’ve been wise

words & strong shoulders,
holding my forty-three
years & change.

Gone for the summer, but
you’ll return
& one day soon you’ll go,

for the good
of a separate life.
Please

know your goat’s beard
dad will always be
proud

of today
of tomorrow
& here for you.