resolved: not taking the blame
like Siddhartha
he knows how to wait
silent and still
quiet and calm
less certain is how
he will take in
the guide’s excuse:
you moved too much
as we unmeld ourselves
from the fronds and branches
I hear his breath catch
fighting back tears
on the long silent walk home
I wonder what he will say
when he can speak freely
hoping he won’t accept the proffered blame
at home the tears come
and relief on both accounts
he knows who he is
and won’t be told otherwise
how is it at 12
he already walks away from suspect guilt
with clear eyes and a steady conscience
when I still can’t shake my Catholic days?
