We looked at lighthouses today.

His hands laced tightly with mine
and his hazel eyes were wide and curious
But he looked up at me in question
"Daddy?"
And I was at a loss
Unsure,
What to say

"Daddy is sick."
and with a sigh
he wandered farther down the street,
Still holding my hand in his

He showed me the tiles
on a masaic style lighthouse
reflection like a kalidescope
on his skin
and smiled.

"Daddy?"

All I can do is swallow back his bitter dissapointment
tasting like rust on my tongue
and squeeze him tight.

He hugs back and smiles, anxious to continue exploring
Forgetting the rust
of absenteeism
and for the moment
his broken heart.

He tackles the bed
upon arriving home
"STICKER!, LOOK!"

Daddy opens his eyes
and mumbles 'awesome'
before falling back asleep

Breaking hearts in dreamland
is his forte

and I follow along
picking up the pieces
the best I can.