One strange day when you look back (Bryant McGill)

I cannot know your hidden soul
nor your slice of future time

I see you, but for a moment,
as you change before me

Could I but reach that second,
where you once were

To know your unique truth,
but alas you are gone.

And so I chase after you
and grasp at empty air

Where you once stood
I catch the shadow of your last step

I will never catch you darling
but will catch only a glimpse

— from time to time —

I am the past looking at you,
and your eyes are to the future.

When you look back, I see you,
but you are a mystery to me

I am a mystery to you too, a father,
but a man you will hardly know

Until one strange day when you look back,
and see me— as I see you now.