To my Father

Dear Dad:

I know you’ll never see this, but I just wanted to say

That I let my mind wander and thought about you today.

A storm rages on in a dark windowpane -

If you were here with me, would I still feel the same?

Alone in a corner, draped in velvet shade…

Small wonder I’ve got but few friends in my grade.

I should end this soon, it’s getting late.

How old was I when I saw you last? Eight?

No, ten. You were lying on the hospital bed,

Your hands growing cold as they tendered my head.

I was crying, but knew exactly what to do.

I hugged you and whispered, I love you.

That night, you were gone. And so was I.

For most of the year, I did nothing but cry.

But my, how time flies! Eight years have gone by.

I’ve acted, and sung, and painted, and played,

Cooked for the family, started and stayed,

All without a father holding my hand.

But now, as I venture out into the land

Of the free, I hear your satin voice

In every step, in every choice.

I can’t wait til’ we meet again.

But I’ll keep being imperfect til’ then.

My only regret is, we parted ways early.

Sincerely, your dear loving daughter,

Kimberly