A Snapshot
Shot late that day we tried to fly the kite,
Just as our son began to run from me,
Head-down, leaning forward, struggling uphill
Because I listened to a little wind,
Pointed him toward it, hoping higher
There was enough to hold. I tossed the kite.
And here he’s running hard, not looking back,
Lifting the stick of string above his head—
The thread stretched thin could barely catch the light.
I watched, unsure this fragile frame would fly.
But now, I see on both the sunlight shone
With rays as straight as strings upon our backs—
Its lowering, beyond the hill and lake,
Still warm before it fell behind the trees.
Copyright © 2021 Samuel Hamer
Samuel Hamer is a practicing attorney in Minnesota. He earned degrees in physics from Wheaton College and in law from Harvard Law School. His occasional poetry considers themes of faith, doubt, and family. Sam lives with his wife, Naomi, and three boys near Minneapolis.
Photo credit: Naomi Hamer. Copyright © 2021.
