Father

My father was improbable. ° He was frightfully young–seventeen–when ° He and my not-yet mother ° Succumbed to that irresistible ° Primal Urge and got my ° Older brother started. Not-yet-Dad ° Was reluctant to step up ° (And I don’t blame him–he ° Was told he had nothing to fear ° And he knew what a Fork ° In the road Marriage ° And Parenthood were.)

But he did step up, ° Leaving some dreams in dust ° And realizing others ° He had not had before.

That is why I exist. And having learned ° Of my improbable origin ° I resolved that any child I conceived ° Would be wanted ever so much.

And the dream I had ° Was realized. I am a father. My daughter ° Is a Miracle. The improbability ° A beneficent Universe grants ° Fulfilled the most important ° Destiny of my life.

My daughter wants no children. ° She dreams her own dreams. ° She has my approval, and applause.