The Syrian and Family Beloved

Met him after sundown
His smoke break
Back of our building
Cool and quiet
One mourning dove
Serenading from lamp post
On the street.

A Syrian, here eleven years
Shy about his English usage
Studying at an ESL group.
Making progress but
Not fast enough, he says.
I commend him on his accomplishment.

Up careens a current
Model of Honda.
Son inside and smiling.
Basket of fruit for Dad.
And cherry tomatoes.
Out of the building burst
Two daughters tall
Slim and beautiful.
Long dark hair, shining.
Young twenties and laughing.
Dad’s pride and joy.
Fully assimilated and proud.
Proud of Papa.

He risked so much
Left all behind.
Watched the ensuing broadcast horrors
From a thankful distance.