I Dreamt You Young

Por Rhina P. Espaillat (1932 – )

I dreamt you young, my father, in your white
shirtsleeves and soft fedora, rowing toward
me, smiling, where I stood on shore, a slight
tilt of your head inviting me aboard.
The drops your paddles scattered stroke by stroke
wafted a summer scent, both rank and sweet,
from reedy depths that shimmered like swirled smoke.
Your laughter lifted—all but swept—my feet
over the thwart to find the seat beside
you, father, steadied by your outstretched hand,
but cries of children born after you died
woke me to my familiar place on land.
I have grown older now than you were then,
but not too old to be your child again.

Publicado en The Shadow I Dress In, David Robert Books, Cincinnati, 2004. Usado con permiso de la autora.

---

Volver a la lista de poemas y obras de Rhina Espaillat.