Dad

Tear stained face; two years old,
Little hands reach up,
Red eyes, hair a mess,
Daddy I need a hug.

Huge building looms; 6 years old,
Strong hands encase my own,
Heart beats fast, first day of school,
Daddy says “here we go!”

Feet on the pedals; 12 years old,
Two hands grip the wheel,
Eyes on the road, lump in my throat,
Daddy sits beside me; my shield.

It’s been a week; 17 years old,
Coming home one night,
He broke my heart, im so in love,
Daddy says “it’s not worth the fight”

Sweat on my brow; 20 years old,
Tiny baby in my arms,
The baby wails, strong little lungs,
Daddy puts on that grandpa charm.

First big girl job; 29 years old,
Dressed to the nines,
Hands shaking, heart pounding,
Daddy winks, says “keep em in line”
Tear stained face; 36 years old,
Little hands reach out,
Swollen eyes, broken heart,
“Daddy Don’t leave me” I shout.