Papa--By Lois Greene Stone--United States

Papa

In freshman beenie,

white buck shoes,

page-boy hair bouncing, I

skipped from vacation train

to his arms.  Parenthood's

pride reflected in his face.

In black gown and cap,

thin tassel hanging;  bachelor's

degree at hand and master's

anticipation, I fled from

my seat seeking approval.

Behind a quiet, fatherly,

exterior, there would have

been an exhilarated man.

If only

he had lived

to see it.

(Previously published in Green's Educational Publication, 1994)

Lois Greene Stone, writer and poet, has been syndicated worldwide. Poetry and personal essays have been included in hard & softcover book anthologies. Collections of her personal items/ photos/ memorabilia are in major museums including twelve different divisions of The Smithsonian.