How can I be the best dad?
my younger friend asked.

You’ll become a great one
the moment you learn to heal
your kids’ wounds
with a single kiss.

The past smiled at me.

“Daddy, what is the most beautiful thing
you have seen in your whole life?”

my little one asked.

“You,” I replied.

She laughed while hugging me tightly.

What is love?
the younger one asked me.

After decades of togetherness,
you can still see the stars
in her eyes when you look at her.

I replied,
while looking at her.

What is Magic, Daddy?
My little one asked.
I can see myself in your eyes
when you are smiling,
I answered.

I don’t know whether
she got it or not,
but she smiled.

My poems can make
you believe
I am the one
you dream of.

But I am sorry love,
I am the illusionist
you were never
destined to meet.

I don’t know
what makes us sweat
at midnight,
the summer
or the love.

I know I must
endure this suffering,
For there is no other way.
But I don’t know
how to bear the pain
The ache in my heart is real,
And it’s killing me
inch by inch.

I have lost the last shred of courage
Yet, beyond this pain,
I hope to remain,
reborn as Buddha again.