By Hewan Tafari
Do you remember long road trips
Do you remember long lectures
I remember these and so much more
I remember you explaining a new perspective
I remember me challenging it, just to debate or find a weakness in you argument
I remember Mama and Leah, referring to it as an argument, not understanding
I remember how they didn’t see the fun in our debates
Our car rides started with deep discussions of childish school drama, you at the wheel
Our car rides now consist of optimistic talk of my future, this time I drive
You love to encourage practicality
You love to teach me about the world
I love to hear about your life knowledge, acquired from years of experience
I love to watch documentaries with you
Together we sit, watching Nova
Together we sit, apple slices in bowls
Together we sit, taking in the information presented on the screen
Together we sit, in awe of the world around us
Thanks to you, I hungrily absorb anything space related
Thanks to you, I am starstrick by galaxies, black holes, and astronomy
Thanks to you, I desire to learn Ethiopian history
Thanks to you, I know the importance of learning about my ancestors
Thanks to you, I know my emotional reasoning with logical structure
Thanks to you, I think of my future
I recall the trips you take us on
I recall the sand on my feet, salty waves lapping at the shore
I recall the golden gate bridge and the pier
I recall the soft serve ice cream
I recall the soggy barbeque chips, and Leah’s water bottle with her puke that you drank
I recall the way we shrieked in shock, as you roared in laughter
Some are lucky to have great dads
Some are blessed to have a Bapa like you