Back Now

I missed most of my nephews’ young lives by

living too damn far away. But I’m back now.

I’d like to believe I’m in that bend of the arc

of returning—ah, Campbell’s Cosmic Dancer.

I’m aware that rings heroic while the truth

may be it was simply time to come home.

One thing I’ve noticed about my nephews is

their rush to hug me when I arrive and their

rush to hug me just before I leave, as if they

missed most of their odd uncle’s life and

are nervous he might up and fly the coop

again chasing the breaded crumbs of myth.

They’re still little boys in the ordinary world.

But soon they will begin their bend toward

becoming and while hugs may remain the

rush won’t be there, that happy spark that

melts their old uncle’s quiet western heart.

Rush or not, I’ll be here as the special world

cracks open and calls them. For I’m back now.

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6 Comments

  1. Sherrey Meyer on January 23, 2022 at 1:00 pm

    A beautifully written love story. Living miles away from the young ones is difficult but when you get to see them, those hugs are joyous!

  2. Duncan on January 23, 2022 at 2:04 pm

    Gosh darn, these are good, week after week.

  3. Michele Morin on January 23, 2022 at 3:23 pm

    Lucky boys.
    But I don’t give luck the credit.

  4. judy burke on January 24, 2022 at 12:34 am

    Know your heart wants to burst at times over sadness and hopefully these hugs smiles ease the pain some. Know your Mom and Dad are glad to have you much closer also!!!

  5. SandyHay on January 24, 2022 at 6:39 am

    My young grandsons live across the country from me. As I read your words I could see them running and hugging me as I come in their front door. Covid has messed with my travels and they’ve grown up and I’ve grown old(er). I can feel their arms wrapped around me. I hope I never forget.

  6. Jody Collins on January 24, 2022 at 8:30 pm

    Oh John…..it is good to come home, indeed. Nothing can replace an in person hug that surprises. My oldest grandson turned 19 today and lives with his parents three hours away. When we were together at Christmas he held on to my husband in the sweetest embrace as we said our goodbyes. Praise God for those ‘happy sparks.’

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