Papa

Whenever I get upset with you,
how helpless you seem,
hiding your sadness behind those quiet eyes.

I know I am often stubborn and short-tempered.
and perhaps I am at fault.
But please understand this too, Papa—
I have now learned to compromise with circumstances.

I know that when I am upset with you,
you may no longer come to convince me.
And when my stubbornness takes over,
you may no longer come to show your affection.

I remember those days
when my brother and I would wait for you after you returned from work.
How delicious the food felt
when it came from your hands.

How, before eating yourself,
you would make sure both of us sat beside you.
How happy you would become
over even our smallest achievements!

Papa, look at us now—
my brother and I have achieved so much.
But today, I feel helpless
because I don't know how to show you
these golden moments of our lives.

How can I touch your feet
and receive your blessings now?