To my dad

i can easily
tell your story, dad.
the first among shepherds
abuochiche’s mouth
healer, giver, a strange believer.
a mixture of seasons.
i have learned to
love you like my mother:
soft, fragile, muscly
all i would say about you
all that you do
all you’ve been through
you still move like a river
unafraid of rain, wind, and sunlight
unafraid of the sea.

leonell echa