a label, a comment, a word –
has to be dealt with
you cannot impart it, give it, pass it –
and expect no reaction
but people do…
they pick up your palette
and turn all the colours blue

a fear is not a fact
an opinion
is not evidence
say so,
is just the old heave ho

they pile on the pressure
and we scream –
to be let out
in this life –
is this what it is all about?

and,
where would begin
no one rocks the boat
because no one can swim

he is dad
maybe just in name
but… dad, all the same
father,
if that is prefered