Hawaiʻi Sonnet 65 (on my Dad’s 100th birthday)

Like my father
I try not to argue about anything with anyone
not that we always get along with everyone necessarily
but because we hate the possible consequence of conflict

Conflict can mean a falling apart
of a human relationship
and this my heart can’t afford, nor could my dad’s
because for both of us, those forged relationships are sacred

that hook knows no forgiveness
the bait of anger set to pierce and tear
the prayer of my father, the sea-wise fish
before the bite, let me stop

breathe

and never be caught

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