Poet’s Showcase

Acting Like a Parent

I was the father,

for real, but playing the role

with no rehearsal, my

lines unmemorized:

improvising disciplines,

projecting sourceless wisdom,

and scattering assurances

from near-empty pockets.

I suspect the youngsters often

saw another child impersonating

“Dad,”

but they accepted my naivete

and allowed the pseudo expertise.

Children often seem

to understand:

their parents each

have parts to play,

and so do they.