Father and Son

Walking to the subway, I heard a guy yelling, "You always do that, Dad! That's why people don't like you sometimes!" He was in his early twenties, suddenly filled with the power of analysis. Ten year earlier, the best he could manage in his logic-numbing rage was, "I hate you! Leave me alone!"

Ten years from now, it might be forgiveness and understanding. And then years further, compassion as he watches the small old man climbing the stairs slowly, poised to catch him if he should stumble.