The Light Bulb (Young Lee Post)

While the snow fell down
And the darkness turned to white
My father and I stood outside
Contemplating the task at hand.

I was younger then, and so was he
Neither of us knowing what
To expect from each other
While the cold bit down on our hands

Carrying the ladder to the spot
Underneath the burnt out light bulb
My father explained to me what to do
And placed the new bulb in my hand

As I climbed the ladder leaning against the house
The ice cold metal bit into my palms
And the bulb slipped from my clenched fist
Shattering on the driveway below

As my father stared up
And my gaze moved to his
Our eyes met for a brief moment
And disappointment lingered in his

I climbed down the ladder
Knowing I let him down
And brushed slowly passed him

Returning to the safety and warmth of my room