Living Up To Your Eyes

Joy this innocent escapes men of burden:
“You catch it daddy!” It comes spinning fast and,
“I got it!” I cried and lunge to the rescue.
“Daddy you saved it!” I’m a hero to you.

Sneaking up from behind, you leap on my back.
We spin and you fly, I have fended attack.
You rub on my whiskers and wonder, “How long?”
“How many more years will it be ’til I’m strong?”

“Daddy, what side of the moon is the sun on?”
“Depends what day of the week it’s upon.”
“Can you tell me, daddy, when I will be smart?”
“You have much time to think; let’s focus on heart.”

So as darkness awakens, it’s time for bed,
In cackles you speak all the words in your head.
“Good night little man,” a kiss to your blessing.
And “Sweet Baby James” sings you to your resting.

You don’t see my weaknesses; many they are.
You don’t see my failures that breed from the scars.
How can I possibly live up to your eyes?
With a brazened resolve, I grip and I rise.