The Spring

before your son leaves for college
take him for a walk along the beach.

Stay by his side without holding his
hand. As you avoid drift woods

and tides and fly-clouded corpses, drift
away and let his pace outpace yours.

Step in his footprints. Notice that his
feet have outgrown yours. Notice that

your stride can match his stride.
Notice that it’s not worth the effort.

,