For my father, Alvin Ellis Your first gaze upon newborn me escapes the recesses of my memory But I know without question That your first gaze was one filled with love, adoration, devotion, hope, and joy Now as a grown woman with my own family, Your gaze upon me has never shifted, wandered, nor faltered It remains steadfast, sure, and constant It challenges, it propels, it nurtures, it envelops Like an impenetrable fortress your gaze is evidence of a father’s love A love that guides and protects no matter the distance Under the gaze of my father, I have grown […]