| FATHER AND SON By Richard Pacheco Father and SonMy father waited for me it took 21 years of trying three doctors proclaimed my mother would never have children then she arrived at menopause and oops at last I was there and the plans for adoption dissipated like smoke no longer needed talking about a long trip those sperm endured rivaling Odysseus no direct route instead they wandered like Moses traipsing through desert sands up and down the Sinai endlessly plodding methodical and diligent ruthlessly determined semper hopeful bathed in anticipation and after the wait my very athletic father ended up with an unathletic son a late bloomer they claimed as if to explain away the two left feet as they compete like rival tribes enemies not allies unyielding struggles sans noticeable progress in a quick time warp devoid of any escape. RepetitionSome people regurgitate the same life mistakes again and again carefree and unconcerned expecting different results despite the same repeated actions since the bond is flexible and expands outdistancing belief abandoned behind the groups of old myths dilapidated it despair disintegrating like paper left in torrential rains remembered so fondly if too inaccurately all as a matter of sheer comfort and convenient ignoring all adverse results with bloated confidence. WorshipMy neighbors worship their lawns see each blade of grass like a wanton wicked goddess they kneel low for closer inspection devout and dedicated even with arthritic knees throbbing as a painful reminder they stroke each blade of grass like a new well loved puppy. They are meticulous as surgeons ritualistic as high priests each fresh day echoes the dull routine without variation— the way to salvation is not inspection but meaningless repetition. |