Rinsing Fatherhood
(for Reuben Fisher)

My sons are grown and gone,

though I still hear

their cries of laughter

in the emptied house.

I have built them up

and befriended them

as best I could.

Once I held them high

in both arms, as babes,

to greet the sun

and the whole earth,

or let them rest

nestled safely in my arms.

Now there is near-equal handclasp

and perhaps a hug.

Once I controlled and taught;

now I am a concerned advisor

and hopefully a well-regarded friend.

For me, as for them,

a new stage of life begins.

I will return to old pursuits

and find new ones.

So I have come to this good pool

in solemn ceremony

to wash away the invisible sweat

of years of active fatherhood.

I will give both hands again

to my bride of many years,

and we will walk on together.

Keith Tornheim, July 2008

Rinsing Childhood
(for David Fisher)

I am grown and gone,

but my boyish laughter

still echoes in my father's house.

He built me up

and befriended me

as best he could.

Once he held me high

in both arms, as a babe,

to greet the sun

and the whole earth,

or let me rest

nestled safely in his arms.

Now there is near-equal handclasp

and perhaps a hug.

Once I was controlled and taught;

now I will listen to advice,

but I must decide for myself.

For me, as for him,

a new stage of life begins.

So I have come to this good pool

in solemn ceremony

to wash away the invisible sweat

of years of childhood games.

I am a young man now,

with other dreams and purposes,

and I must go my way.

Keith Tornheim, July 2008