My son squats atop the rocky outcrop in Kakiat park. He gazes toward the distant New York City skyline. Even after ten years, he maintains a comfortable “frog” posture that his second-grade teacher warned us about. He says nothing. I hold my tongue in deference. I remember those moments when I, too, savored silence. As I still do.
cumulus clouds
a shadow passing over
maple treetops
I see his face as I glance in the rearview mirror, on our drive home. He has a neutral expression on is face, but there is a serene confidence radiating from his eyes. It’s like seeing the boy he was and the man he is becoming simultaneously.
summer breeze
he takes the keys
from my hand
Wasn’t it just yesterday that we took him home? He, wrapped in receiving blankets, wearing a newborn, wool hat. We, strapping him in his rear-facing carseat. I, driving home so slowly, the most recent snow still along the streets after the latest Nor’Easter.
How does seventeen-and-a-half years pass in a day?
drizzle
the silence after
the last drop
dVerse Poets Pub celebrates 8 years of poetry, with a Poetics prompt by a very special guest: one of our co-founders, Brian Miller! The Pub is open! Come join us!
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Categories: haikai, haiku community
Frank J. Tassone 
Absolutely beautiful and heartfelt. Such impactful, moving imagery with a fantastic theme of time and growing up. Excellent piece.
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Thank you, Lucy! 🙂
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Oh my heart this is so beautiful! I especially love; “It’s like seeing the boy he was and the man he is becoming simultaneously.” 💝
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Seeing the boy he was and the man he is becoming simultaneously. I love that. I resonate with how the years go by at a gallop. Way too fast. Nice to read you, Frank.
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They go by way too fast. I have a senior in high school this year, that will soon be leaving me for college. And another 3 years behind him. I hope that he has gatherd the lessons and will carry them with him as he goes forward. We try our best. And then we hope.
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He’s growing up right before your eyes😊. Love this.
Pat
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They grow up much too quickly, Frank!
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Oh, this is so touching and full of love… made my eyes water. Wonderful imagery… thank you for sharing these special moments.
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I love how he grows to appreciate silence.. I would feel confident that he will be a good man you have already seen.
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A beautiful and heart-felt haibun Frank, I especially love
‘summer breeze
he takes the keys
from my hand’
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Thanks, Xenia! 🙂
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So bittersweet. As is all of parenting. (K)
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Indeed! Thanks, K! 🙂
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Your father’s heart is beautifully captured in these words. The kids grow up too fast, and before you know time just passed in a blink. Thanks for joining us Frank.
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Thanks, Grace! 🙂
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Perfect Frank!
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Thanks, Linda! 🙂
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A beautiful poem Frank. This tribute to your son is such a good moment in time when you realize how fast the years have passed.
I love this line: It’s like seeing the boy he was and the man he is becoming simultaneously.
Dwight
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Thanks, Dwight! 🙂
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Haibunilicious, Frank.
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Thank you, Ron! 🙂
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The years pass as an infant becomes a young man. He’s blessed to have you and his mom there along the way. Seems like you’ve given him a love for nature, and that is saying a lot ❤
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Thanks, Jade! 🙂
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You’re welcome 🙂
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This is the most beautiful poem. You have poignantly recounted the years of his life, told a bit about yourself, and depicted a father’s love and pride. I savored every moment!
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Thank you, Beverly! I appreciate it! 🙂
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The way the haikus seem to move the prose forward is amazing in this piece. Thank you for the wonderful read
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Thank you! I’m happy you enjoyed it! 🙂
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This is a wonderful write. When our children were little, so many different people at different times said something to me that went a bit like this: “Appreciate them now. Treasure every moment. They grow up fast and we really have them for such a short time.” I used to smile and murmur something like “oh yes, I do. I know that’s true.” But I really didn’t understand. Your poem details that so very well. We’ve been married 50 years and we had our children with us for 17 years….normally one might say 18 but take away the time for summer camps, music camps, being with their friends as they got older, and that senior year when our house seemed to be a way station for meals and bed 🙂 Even the mundane moments….to remember them….are precious. And oh yes….time just flew.
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