Andrew Culjak Poet Ballad

My Father's Eyes

You know that I love you.  It's nothing you've done.
He said as we stood in the aisle of some store, 
I am the only one, 
I have to take care of.  It has to be me
That I'm thinking of and I'm looking out for,
That's why I have to be free.
As I tried to smile I said, I understand and it's all right.
I just couldn't look into my father's eyes.

I might be dying, he said on the phone.
Over thousands of miles and too many years
Twenty had come and gone.
That's why I called you.  He said, I know.
Though we haven't spoken I lived with this fear
That you would forget or perhaps just let go.
So I'm glad I called, he said I understand and it's all right
Relieved I couldn't look into my father's eyes.

Then I held my face
In the mirror the rest of the night
Finally I looked into 
My father's eyes

♡Like0

Share Poem

---

Post Comments

Poetrysoup is an environment of encouragement and growth so only provide specific positive comments that indicate what you appreciate about the poem. Negative comments will result your account being banned.

Please Login to post a comment

Caren Krutsinger September 18, 2019 at 7:47 PM I often look into the mirror and catch my dad's face looking at me. I always laugh and say "Hi, Dad." It is a face I thought I would miss, but I can't because it is also my face. Thank you for the reminder. I may go to the mirror right now.