Things I Should Have Known

I never knew

The reason you were home

During Vietnam

While other boys your age

Were leaving the plains

Heading to the rivers

And jungles

To battle the unknown.

You were 4F,

Thanks to a childhood bout with pneumonia.

Seems I should have known

A detail like that.

Or,

How your parents met

Your first kiss

A favorite teacher

Your saddest moment –

Details that make you

The you I know

I think there are many

Little things

I have yet to hear

I have yet to share

That we both have meant to.

It can't all happen by phone

Even with the best of intentions

Nor should it.

These bits of history

Are best enjoyed

Not over the phone

But side by side

Over many a lazy afternoon

Rocking on the porch

As a breeze carries our words away.

Meanwhile,

We talk about the now

And barely fit that in.

I must remain not quite satisfied

Yearning for more

Until you can join me on the porch again.