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