MATTHEW LAFRENIERE

TO FATHERS

To honor you, Shidoshi.
—Frank Dux, Bloodsport (1988)

Maybe because I ended up face-down
on a couch cushion, arm right angled
behind my back; maybe because in memory
I want to think of myself thinking

of the couch cushion’s stitch-work,
all those diagonals; maybe
because I couldn’t see my father’s eyes;
because of the way he said

throw a punch; maybe because
Van Damme no longer made things simple
(maybe we rented Bloodsport too many times);
maybe because he told me he was sorry,

and if he didn’t, it didn’t matter;
maybe I wanted it. Maybe I want it.