Brandon’s Quest
…………………………………………………………………..

Every so often,
Someone enters your life,
As many before…
Just another face,
Filling a void,
In this case…
One of labor.

Such a reflective measure…
As if looking in a mirror,
Three plus decades past,
Although quite obvious…
He’s not been as fortunate,
As I was…back then…

My angel was still living,
Loving me with elder sibling guidance,
Teaching me lessons learned,
And how to survive in a hell…
Those we trusted had created.

I recognize his cocky demeanor,
And tissue thin confidence…
The shield that protects him,
From intimidation
Of the fear deep within.
I know all too well…
How most often…
He barely convinces himself.

His laughter does not
Come from his belly,
He’s never known true joy…
Or the security to allow himself,
To open up enough
So he might feel it…

If he did…
He might be vulnerable,
To the haunting sense
Of impending doom…
He fights to keep at bay.

He works with intent…
Focused and attentive,
Taking pride in his labor,
And a job well done…

He has natural talent,
To create with his hands…
Unlimited potential,
If honed to perfected edge.

Performing his skills
Is more than a means,
For life supporting income…
It’s another day at
The proving grounds…
So he can prove his worth…
Most especially to himself.

But lying under all the façade,
His true quest…
Is to prove himself to
The one he trusted...
The one that left him out,
In a blizzard of cold emotions…

His father.

Light enters me
From my top most chakra…
As memories of my mentor…Herbie,
Hard as nails…gentle as a lamb,
Run through my spirit,
My most formative figure of a father…
Taught me my trade and skills,
When it was I wearing the shoes,
This young man now walks in.

Could this be life turning full circle ?
Perhaps a cycle completed…
And a time to return,
What was once given to me…
So lovingly.

Could it be…this young man,
Would be willing to allow me,
To exalt in the footsteps,
Of my honorable mentor ?

I’ll humbly extend the offer.

Erin Woods
10/06