Happy Father's Day

Daddy
(elegy poem)

I'm miles from where you are, Daddy
I miss you
More than you'll ever know
I wish you were here
Daddy
I wish you were here to see me grow
To see me graduate
To see me get married
To see your grandchildren
I want you here to raise me
Here with Mommy
I didn't know you'd leave me like this
I didn't realize
People say I should be happy you don't hurt anymore
But I'd rather have you here and hurting, Daddy
I'm sorry, Daddy
I know I'm selfish
It's how I miss you, Daddy
I want you here to help me
I want you here to get mad at me
To tell me you love me
To show me what to do
And to be disappointed with me
I want you here to tell me not to talk on the phone with boys
And sing with me to the radio
I'm not good at solos, Daddy
I know you're happy now
I have no doubt about where you are
I know you're safe now
I know I'll be able to see you again
But remember, I'm selfish, Daddy
So I want you here
And that's why the tears keep coming

(written by Natalie Anderson, age 13, 8th grade English writing assignment, April 2011)