Piece by piece.

We are puzzles. The pieces create with every new step, we do.

Piece by piece.

I remember my father. He tried his best and he couldn't win. I remember my mother. She lost her way a few times and she always got back-up.

We are made by memories. Piece by piece. We gather our memories and some pieces of the puzzle burn our soul and our heart. I remember me and my sister had to go foster homes. AWOL parent and dear grandparent fighting to get us back.

I was a screw-up puzzle till I met children who needed me, to be like my wonderful grandparent. I worked hard and I create safe haven for my children, my grandchildren. 

Piece by piece, we are. We are houses being built with love and kindness.

I didn't know I was alone. I accepted life as-is.

Took me 36 years to stop and learn. I was alone.

I was lucky. I had the kindest grandparent. Always a open door and a cot for me and my sister. Grandpa ensured I was strong and dear grandmother ensured I knew. I was her baby boy.

I forgave my father, I forgave my mother.

I stayed with one kind woman and I built a safe home for four children and I have five grandchildren now.

Piece by piece, we set-up tables for the life of the people we love. The pieces are what they become.

We need someone to tell us. You are safe and you are everything to me.

You don't walk alone and I am here.

Coyote

Author's Note

Thank you for reading.

Reviews

[Carola]

hi coyote, yes childhood can be difficult times, particularly for adolescents who are frequently testing the waters of new & exciting things (for kids) & so testing parents' patience. ....i speak from experience.

good for you for becoming a super father & grandfather, you've done a wonderful life's work, by the sounds of it.

have a great sunday.
cheerio carola

[Coyote Poetry]

I tried dear Carola. Thank you for reading and the comment my dear parent.

[Shelly Wiseberg]

Wonderfully written, heartfelt. I had a father who never tried, and a mother the passive aggressive by his side, no love or affection I have been and felt alone for a very long time at an early age, My grandfather was my role model and felt safe with him. I found love later on in life and appreciate everything I have gotten and on what I have lost. In the end I had resolve in the end, my mother is still alive at 95, but our relationship ended a long time ago. Distance makes the heart go farther,

[Coyote Poetry]

Yes dear Shelly. You are right. In the end. We appreciate the people who loved us. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[W. Barrett Munn]

Incredible poetry, Coyote. I hope while you were forgiving you remembered to forgive yourself for being human.

Winston

[Coyote Poetry]

I will try Winston and thank you for reading and the comment.

[Red Brick Keshner]

The idea of us being part pieces of each other and not just a whole makes it all the more meaningful! Thanks so much.

[Coyote Poetry]

I agree my dear friend. We are made by our mentors. When I speak. I can hear my grandfather speak. Thank you for reading and the comment.

[DIVYA]

Dear Coyote,

Life gave you hardships but what uplifted you was the enduring love of your grandparents.

You are now giving your loved ones the joy, warmth and assurances which perhaps as a child you did not fully receive.

While someone else may have used their setbacks of childhood to find excuses to shirk from their duties, you used these setbacks to find your strength and build a good life and a wonderful family. Your reward is the love you receive in return from them.

"We need someone to tell us. You are safe and you are everything to me.
You don't walk alone and I am here."

The best and most awesome lines and very relatable to me because I do need to do this as well. We all need to be there for our loved ones and make their journeys better and in turn better our own journey.

Loved the video too. Piece by piece, indeed....

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Divya. We must teach our children. They can do anything and be anyone.

[DIVYA]

I have tried and I will keep trying, my friend. I often fail miserably but we can't afford to give up on our children.

[DIVYA]

You are most welcome. Have a very nice Sunday.

[Melinda McQueen]

Yes, the pieces of our life can make us or break us. Reading a window into your life was special. You've gone through and conquered so much. I like that you trusted yourself enough to write this piece... piece by piece. Just lovely dear friend.

[Coyote Poetry]

Thank you dear Melinda. The song took me back and we know my dear friend. Love is enough and we do not walk alone.