Patriarchy - Not For Contest

PATRIARCHY We had Fathers. Distant creatures beings aware of another dimension condemned to keep its secrets, protect us from its presence for as long as possible. Solitary creatures – these Fathers, lone hunters stealthily disappearing and re-appearing. Loud creatures – snarling at the world, growling and nipping at their children to protect them – from it. Lonely creatures – these Fathers prowling foggy dawns, sunsets flaming condemnation, weary – yet tirelessly working to fulfill the needs of a day. Restless beings – these Fathers troubled even in sleep snorting as a tethered stallion restrained from running, breathing as if in retreat from a hunter’s prey. Warriors – these Fathers Elders – possessing almost Shamanic skills, stolid, forbearing - surface calm roiling in the torment of their patriarchal duties. We are Fathers still - less distant, less secretive, snarling and growling at a world we no longer understand where perception overrides reality. We will always be Fathers distant, solitary, lonely creatures Warrior elders awaiting fate’s transition, watching sons - become men – become Fathers. John G. Lawless 7/8/2015 not submitted to the Patriarchy Poetry Contest as it is over 20 lines