Welcome Home Dad

Dad’s not the man
I married intoned mom
as she herded her nestlings
closer to her bosom

the war---the war did things
to him she began to sob

and I want each of you
to not fight---get along okay.
I was patient in listening
about the death and destruction
dad lived though in Britain

and his medical discharge
bringing him home. But that
was then and this is now.
He sat mute in the corner of
the room---and seemed afraid
to join us in conversation

not minding the looks others
gave---I sought his waiting arms.

© Richard L. Provencher