she walked by

daddy

daddy

please keep your eyes on me?

please leave your smile at my face?

please set your attention here?

at the park

daddy, push me on the swing?

watch carefully

i’m afraid to fall.

at the diner

daddy, look at this dessert?

i’ve been good today

right?

on the report card

daddy, see all those A’s?

they’re for you

for you to be proud of.

always hoping i’d come first

be the honor of your attention.

given up

with a toughened mind

and a hardened heart.

watching mommy

with her hurting eyes.

daddy, can you see me now?

i'm not there

am i?