stands back

maybe he's not cut out to be
the dad they need
trying to be a better person
in the process
imperfections stare him down nightly
sometimes his desire is
to smash the glass
but he stands back
and breathes in the positive
exhales the negative
the day brought with it
his heart is filled with love
for a family and he wants it
to include three former strangers
one being the love of his life

maybe he's exactly what they need
another imperfect soul to connect
and be there for support
and defend them if need be
there are so many thoughts
they don't even know
what to make of him
and the unraveling of his mind
daily onto page after page
in book after book
until everyone understands...