My Father's Transformation

Father.
Your hand began its decent
the Night
that I was born.

(I remember--you became the ghost
behind my mirror)

Father.
Your empty eyes found my face
the Day
my innocence fled.

(I remember--you became the sadness
that crippled my callow heart)

Father.
Your cheeks were flushed with alcohol
the Night
I lost my faith.

(I remember--you became the reason
I hated God)

But Father.
Your hand softly searched for mine
the Day
you said you were sorry.

But I remember:
While you had begun to change,
I had forgotten how to forgive.