The first time I saw my father cry

we were on the side of the road

the flip phone landed in his lap

from the back seat, I watched his shoulders shake

The second time I saw my father cry

we were on the couch in front of the TV

America won that night

and I watched him cry tears of joy

The last time I saw my father cry

I was pulling out of the driveway

As I watched my home disappear in the rearview mirror

I knew there were tears falling down his face