Day 365: Grow

~ Matt Zurbo

Grow
by
Matt Zurbo

For my wife and child xo


If I could, I’d give you the moon.

I’d tuck it in your pocket, for when you need it most.
So that if you hear an owl hooting,
you’ll know why.

If I could I’d give you the sky, its freedom,
its moods,
imagination,
every fable it holds.

I’d give you mighty storms,
so you might know all weather is good weather.

I’d give you the outdoors.

I’d give you how it feels to simply be walking by your side.

If I could, I wouldn’t age,
or I’d leave a part of me behind,
so I could watch you revel in the arc of life.

See the ripples you made.

I’d give you every story yet told.
every schoolyard,
every dream,
every fairy, giant, troll.

Those who say it’s all been said before are fools.
Cowards!

Of course it hasn’t.
Not in general,

not by you, your mum or I.

If I could, I’d forever be your shield.
I’d give you my strength, every bit of it,
for each time you fall.

I’d give you all I’ve seen,
so you might use whatever bits you chose,
as a push start,
to explore even more.

Sometimes, I watch your eyes,
just watch them watching it all,
and know you’ve already started to explore.

Oh, you will explore!

One day I’ll plant a forest around where we’ll live,
in the bush somewhere,
and watch you and it grow in time.

If I could, I’d give you every tear I ever cried.

So you’ll learn from my mistakes,
when to let go,
how to build fortresses,
weather storms.

So you know the love I felt
when you were born.

If I could I’d give you the smallest piece of my loneliness.
So you might brace for its days of power.

If I could I’d give you constant happiness!

Joy!

The feeling when your mum and I hear you make the smallest sounds.
Giggle,
mumble to yourself,
squeak,
sigh…

The way, when you’re sleep, we listen to you breath.

These gifts!
These things you can’t own.

Oh, within this love!

I’d give you every

little

thing

you’ll ever need.

Even though it will never be enough.
You have to do so much for yourself.

Learn, fall, succeed, roam.

If I could, I’d give you the world…

but it’s already yours.

 


The End

 

 

(A brief announcement tomorrow. Love to all. xo)

 

21 thoughts on “Day 365: Grow”

  6. I’m a mama of two little girls and I had to take a pause in my work day to read this to my daughters on your 365th day of your challenge! This is such a beautiful tribute to close an amazing year of stories. I am so inspired by your love for your daughter and wife. And by this supreme gesture of creativity in service of love and a more empathetic, understanding, healing world. Thank you Matt! I can’t wait to hear about the next phase for you. And while I’m grateful that this online format allows us to read these stories from Guatemala, I hope that publishers will let us see some in print soon. Felicidades!

    Liked by 1 person

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  7. I discovered these in the year, But they’ve been a delight – all. They’re a joy to read to my grandchild. Your love for your family radiates throughout them. Blessings!

    Liked by 1 person

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  8. Beautiful denouement , Matt. Truly beautiful. Stunning accomplishment. The deep love for your daughter and your wife shine. Love this.

    Liked by 1 person

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  9. Thank you so much for sharing all these wonderful stories. And congratulations to this accomplishment! I will miss something now when I check my blog 😉. All the best to you and your family , Barbara

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  15. I’ve been reading these every day since I read about your project in the New York Times. As a writer myself, I’m reminded through your work to keep going, keep going, keep going. Nothing is too precious. There are always more words, more ideas. Thank you for your stories! Thank your daughter for inspiring you!

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