A Shadow Across the Valley

A shadow of consequence cast through the Valley

A shadow falls across this Valley
while I walk backward in time
I see so many fractal faces
such that I can draw to mind
and knowing not where this is going
but sensing through it all a rhyme
I know just what this shadow's meaning

I know what's coming here in time

there's so many things to tell you
chief among them an admittance
a reminder that I know you
that I've known you all this time

and I wonder how you're hurting
what other Valley you have tread
and I wonder how to help you
but I'll tell you this instead

in spite of every time you've faltered
every moment left behind
in spite of everything uprooted
and the overspread of time
I never doubted for a second
never wondered, misaligned
that you did this for a purpose
that you paid your price with time

so here we are within this Valley
depths at two ends realigned
given as I am to worry
I choose to follow your advice
there are no words of perfect order
and there's no rhyme nor point to bother

so I settle
cry
and smile

and choose to call you simply

father