Where the Broken Go

Father's Day

I could have spent my days fishing,

sitting on a cooler in a boat and wishing...

watching the worms wriggle in the bucket,

thinking of my friends but trying to forget.

I could have spent my fearful nights,

begging you to keep on all the lights...

and have you searching under my bed,

for the monsters that were only in my head.

I could have spent my days with you,

teaching me to ride a bike through...

puddles and pavement and patches of grass,

learning to build campfires and reminiscing about the past.

I could have shed joyous tears,

while video played of my youthful years.

You could have cried when I said "I do",

and danced me on your feet to our favorite tune.

You could have been in waiting,

with my husband at the hospital anticipating...

the bouncing baby girl that I gave birth to,

the grandpa that hugs her, could have been you.

You could have told her stories she couldn't resist,

and told everyone she was your little princess.

You should have seen her when she learned to walk,

Heard her gabbing like her mommy, nonstop talk, talk, talk.

But I have never known you as I should,

Never have, never will, never could...

It's sad that you're not even that far away,

and I can't even call to say Happy Father's Day.