The Father Who Wasn't

This was the dad who worked and worked

Trying only to put food on the table, trying so hard to keep his checkbook stable

This was the dad who woke up early and came back late

Grinding away at the memos and papers, running full-speed through his professional labors

This was the dad who made sure “they” had enough

Pushing and fighting his way to the top, thinking that that he was leading his flock

This was the dad who never knew

Putting food on the table that he’d never eat, returning to “home” for just enough sleep

This was the dad who wasn’t there

Leaving wife and kids out on a line, never knowing they’d kill for just an hour of his time

This was the dad who couldn’t see

Cursing his neighbor for being father that left, never realizing he’d left his own brood bereft

This was the dad who wasn't

Wondering at length why he felt so alone, never noticing that's how he made his home

This was the dad who wasn't