Joshua, at five...

(in two parts)

Part One: Michael's song

Just behind the ear lobe

that's where my child sleeps

in peach fuzz fields,

letting the balloons, birds and

horses free.

Just when the buildings and

soiled briefcases begin to

steal my breath

my child awakes.

Part Two: Daddies love

Joshua's mother

took him away

for his birthday,

to Charleston. South Carolina.

I wasn't suppose

to care.

From a distance

I could feel him

at my soul in night

(through tears)

how I just needed

to touch his face.

Joshua

you touched me

from thousands

of miles.

Your fifth birthday

broke over me

in waves.

I see your eyes,

seeing me.

Your beauty at five

1eaves my soul calm.

I’m trying to touch you.

My beautiful son.

"Michael knew the distance of birthday pain,

and a father's love for his child. "