For Sammy

On Father's Day

it’s not the changeable ocean

or your steadiness at swimming.

it’s not distance to shore

or buoy of home,

grown fierce and specific.

it’s the sudden tears you blink back

in those moments it hits you,

significance,

but you don’t make it a big deal.

the salt water that defines you

not body but source,

a quiet spring that draws us,

close and grateful,

in.