Lemma of Succession

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︎︎︎ Shakes

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︎ Sept 24, 2025

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I want to go back
To your embrace
When I was five and you were old
An elder giant, a tall oak I was shaded under.
And I didn't realize you would grow even older.

I want to go back
To the window
Where I would watch your car pull in the driveway
I was ten and I knew what it meant
That you always came home.

I want to go back
To when I was fifteen
Screaming that I wanted to be left alone
And care for myself.
I didn't know what I'd really said
So I didn't mean it.

Later when I was twenty
And I hadn't even done anything
You were so proud.
With no hesitation
You'd show me to anyone.
I was your face, and you wore me everywhere.

Now I will hold a saint's festival in your honor
And parade your float down the street.
Children will laugh at you
When we tell them your farts quackered like ducks,
And I would stand up in front of everyone
A massive fairday crowd
To announce that you were right
About everything
And give you that satisfaction.

Much later, in your study
As the baby would sit in my lap,
I would scry all the books for your wisdom.
I would stare at the fireplace,
And I would meditate on what you gave me,
Grateful,
Even though nothing you could give me now
Would be what I'd really wanted.