For The Absent Fathers

‘Victory’

 

I used to have a son

In his face I see mine

In his speed I see time

Creating a gap between us

And I feel like rust

That we do not understand each other

Sometimes I wish not to bother

But I can’t ignore

This is my flesh

This was the product of

One rush

Short lived

And I left my son

In his mother’s arms for ever

And I said never

Again to play

To stray

Like a wild dog in heat

I often meet

No I am a biological father

Growing further

Away from knowing, accepting

My worthlessness

And I am punished with endless

Restlessness

My sons and my daughters

To whom I am absent

And they my children

Present

To a man who is not their father

Sometimes I rather

 But I wished, I wished

I was more responsible

More available

Some will find their own victory

Others will inherit my misery

 

Sankofa M F O M Tuzinde

9th December 2014

Inspired by a student

Fathers every child you help bring forth is your responsibility to journey with that they may find their own space in time