The Thought Crossed My Mind

The thought crossed my mind
My feet crossed the field.
Sun-scorched and ankle-turning tufted soccer surface:

What would my parents perceive from their first sight?
What would they understand from their first hearing?
What would they have in mind when meeting you?

My hope rises to hear Liberian voices nearing me,
and they say, “God is faithful.”

The thought spawned from my anticipation and participation
Of inducting into our family my brother's new girlfriend,
Followed by Mother's invitation to bring you to a family event.

“Not yet,” I replied.

A ductile globe obeys the call of two masters
But the reality of my fit-forced, acur-angled foot
Little heeds my minds direction...

The motion of my body,
The attitude in my heart,
The wind in my face.

The thought caught my focus not for any doubt
That love conquers all, and especially yours,
But only, “Could they see what I see, and enjoy what I've enjoyed?”

Your face from space is lovely to look upon,
Plump clouds move in behind sunny cheeks,
And a witty word sparkles from the sea.

I plunge my hand 'neath the vapors,
I test the air for motion, the wind for direction.
Clouds conceal tornadoes, I find
Spinning cars, flying fathers,
And mistletoe.