ken oak band
played some favorite tunes
on third street promenade
nothing like a live cello
on a cold winter day
we sat and listened
until you fell asleep
in my arms
dear son
let me remind you
just in case i forgot
to mention today
that you are
the greatest son
in the whole wide world
the best child
a father could ever ask for
far better
than everyone
every place
every idea
and everything else
i've ever known
its amazing
how something so beautiful
as you are in every way
could come from two ugly
and vile creatures
as me and your mom
there's nothing more important
than spending time with you
my love
each second with you
gives me warmth
meaning and purpose
makes me feel wholesome
and pure
each moment in your arms
is precious
and right
like the moment was meant to be
our two bodies feel in balance again
watching you move
with the joy of discovery
is like watching
a jaguar walk
an elephant sit
a dolphin talk
the ocean play
it's like watching
the sun hop
the moon skip
and the stars dance
you are all these things
and more
even as the world around you
collapses
through no fault of your own
you remain gentle and kind
humble and forgiving
and intelligent
and though i worry constantly
you never exceed boundaries
and always play safely
you are smart
with great understanding
and compassion
and you're learning
life's facts
quickly
but far too young
i wished you didn't know
at two years old
the importance of money
and its vital role
in destroying your family
how the bird died
at grandma's house
and how daddy has to go
and speak to a judge
in order to see you more often
you understand these things
for good or bad
it's what life is
better get used to it
life only gets worse
when i'm all laid out
flat on my back
in a sprawling city
without a relative or friend
cramped from being at a computer
days and nights on end
lonely and frustrated
over work and art
you'd pick me right up
and make me realize
why i'm living each day
- don't give up dada
i will never give up
on you my child
i will do whatever it takes
to spend more time with you
to share myself with you
and to show you
as much as i can
this wonderful and cruel world
and in doing so
to learn from you
how to respond
to our mother earth
with innocence and humility
son, you are
and always will be
the best baby
in the whole wide world
