For the Father of my Children

Happy Father's Day to all you sweet daddies out there.  I'm going to hang it all out there and share with you a mushy love poem I wrote for my husband, who is an exceptionally loving and compassionate father to our sons.  In short, he's a dream boat. I mean, just look at him:

For Jack:

Our boys are young

but you are not new to the art of fatherhood.

I should have seen it when we met,

or when Curt said "Do you take Jack to be..."

to be what?  The whole world and everything in it?

They see you lead by example,

becoming their best selves

in the ample lap of your love.

Toys tucked away on shelves,
resting their heads on airplane pillow cases, 

you read a myth or a fable illuminated 

by the cloud light on their bedside table.

They lean in, eager for kisses

even though they know your beard will scratch.

I marvel as you nuzzle and play

and patch their imaginary holes

a Jack of all make-believe trades.

How is it that you carry my burdens

and babies on your shoulders without

so much as a "you owe me" or a "see this?"

You have always been their father

even before there was a we.

Tonight after we've tucked in and tag teamed

you'll lean over and say as you always say

Good Job Mama.

They are ours and I am yours

and you are all we've ever dreamed.

Happy Father's Day!