Chen-ou Liu

Ten Years After

Bathed in winter sunlight, Father sits on the front porch stairs. A wooden cane between his knees, hand over hand, resting on the handle.

white streaks
in my hair and beard
first homecoming

I ask Father, "How have you been these years?" I immediately regret my stupid question. Without answering, Father looks deep into my eyes ... a smile emerges at the corners of his mouth.