My father held his woman-love

My father held his woman-love 
hard and fast in that never-forgotten

facet of his heart – they wander now - still never separate

Their love still tremulous in the architecture of my soul 

He - progenitor of my being – creator of my city of customs

I live on - in - the moral, creative traditions of his essence –

He - vibrant, vivid, shimmering and present –

in the holds of my heart – remember-ing -

Forever and always as long as I draw his given breath