the tumble weed boy

when your son
was small
and dirty. a
tumbleweed
of boy, his hands
caked in
mud
you installed
a brown rug
the color of dirt
throughout
the house, you
painted the walls
a deep
tan color, you
set aside
special towels
for him
and the dog.
so now, when
he visits you,
it's so strange
to see him,
neat and
pressed, nails
clipped, hair combed.
careful not spill
a drop
of anything,
it makes you
wonder
where did you
go right.