BLESSING
Dedicated to my son Omar
by Teresita Perez
Center stage, while I'm applauding;
my son the hero and star.
The cast is nature. The setting
our home and surrounding yard.
Among the audience who's praising
the actor portray his show,
a self-inspired production,
are neighbors who watched him grow.
With background chorus of birds,
the leaves clapping in the breeze
whisper a prayer to heaven;
lauding thankfully the trees.
That which for years seemed like chaos,
and evidence of no plan,
is being blessed by the efforts
of a boy turned into man.
Like a flash is gone debris,
uproots; tosses; removes stones
sweating with a pick in hand,
vigor of youth, muscles strong.
Upturned and redone the driveway.
Replaced walks of cracked cement.
New fill long due and much needed.
Smiling, his heart content.
His happiness is contagious
and we watch in awe some more.
Trips. Buys goods. Unloads supplies.
Back to nursery and store.
And as his labor progresses,
even paints the house throughout,
and cooks a meal for a friend
who brought tools to help him out.
Manifest is the transition:
No longer that carefree boy
who brought me hibiscus flowers
he picked so I'd share his joy.
But his kindness and compassion,
intact in spite of the years,
flow in love from his big heart,
sometimes from his eyes in tears.
For hidden beneath the stature
of physique solid and strong
is a boy holding a dream,
who keeps in his heart a song.
And crowns in delicate colors
the landscaping of his labor:
blooms, manicured lawn, details;
work that blesses home and neighbors.
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