my father’s son

elder
would be Young
mommy’s baby
daddy’s maybe
blood
with
my father’s
hands
brow
jaw
sad eyes
how we have longed
for you
lost boy
but
you were well loved
for this we are grateful
you came from us
phantom pain for a whole
for more than our father’s love
we see your shadow
playing at three
along a house
upon a creek
we have a place set for you
at life’s every table
we remain notions
silent branches
vigil candles lit below
for we know not
if you remember
the man with the black silvery hair
or if you’ve been informed
by the hand that rocked the cradle
or kept well nested
by seven crows
who keep a secret
that’s never been told