pride

as I lie in the dark
I see a young man with the intimacy of his father
the generosity of his mother
the wisdom of his brother
the savvy of his sister
the intensity of his companions
and the vibrance of his experiences

he has optimism
enthusiasm
a desire for honesty and clarity
an ability to cultivate agility of thought
aspirations for kindness of heart
acceptance for his varied weaknessnes
and the hope for goodwill for himself and all around him

when I open my eyes in the darkness
I see him standing before me
looking directly at me
and there is no distinction between us

no longer a distant dream that I strive to become
I look at him and see that I am him