Poem For My Daddy

I can't believe how long it's been.
The time goes by so fast.
The pain, I try to keep within;
Those memories of the past. 
 
I've tried so hard to understand
Your motives of that day.
You made a choice to leave us and
Just went along your way.
 
I didn't know how bad it was
I didn't know your pain.
You never shared your thoughts because
You hated to complain.
 
When I was young, I worshiped you;
My hero; proud and strong;
Someone to tell my problems to
And teach me right from wrong.
 
I wanted to be Daddy's Girl.
I tried so hard to please.
And there was nothing in the world
To make that longing ease.
 
“I Love You” never crossed your lips;
I never heard that sound.
I guess it wasn't in your script;
Those feelings, too profound.
 
No “Honey”, “Darlin’”, “Sweetie Pie”
Was ever said by you,
Right up until the day you died,
I never had a clue.
 
Your work was always number one;
I never measured up.
My best, when all was said and done,
Was never good enough. 
 
In later years as you grew old,
You needed me much more,
My hero, who was once so bold;
Now hid behind a door.
 
Your sight grew dim, your strength gave out,
Your mind was not the same.
Your eyes were filled with fear and doubt,
And yes, a touch of shame.
 
I saw that you were growing weak.
At times, I saw you cry.
I tried, but was afraid to speak,
I never will know why.
 
The choice you made that fateful day
Is one I’ll never make.
Although at times I’ve lost my way
There is too much at stake.
 
How could you leave us all alone
To deal with what came then?
To tell my Mother you were gone,
Oh, where would I begin?
 
You took the choice out of God’s hands.
I guess you couldn’t wait
Until we all could understand
The meaning of our fate.
 
You had to know it would be me
Who found you, yes…it’s true.
Did you not care that it would be
How I remembered you?
 
You pulled the trigger on that gun
And ended all your pain.
Not caring mine had just begun
And always would remain.
 
I wonder if you’re happy now.
I pray that you’ve found peace.
I hope that someday and somehow
My guilt will finally cease.
 
If only I had been aware
Of what you’d planned to do;
A word; a touch to say I cared…
Could I have gotten through?
 
I think of you each day and night
I love and miss you still
Your memory still shines its light
I guess it always will.
Copyright © | Year Posted 2011

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

A   Avatar
May 7, 2011 at 8:35 PM
Cathy,,, Congratulations on your featured poem this week... Wishing you a wonderful mothers day.. :-) p.d.
Campbell Avatar
May 3, 2011 at 8:15 PM
I am so sorry for your pain.
Hurst Avatar
May 3, 2011 at 3:42 AM
I love this poem. It is now one of my favorites. It is so well written, and reading it just feels so....real I guess. I'm sorry you had to go through that though. I really don't have anything to compare to that sort of pain you must feel all the time. I hope you keep writing because I love reading your poems.
Brown Avatar
May 2, 2011 at 5:22 AM
Congratulations on your poetry being featured this week Cathy. Love, Carol
Mehta Avatar
May 1, 2011 at 1:37 PM
Congratulations on your poem being featured this week, Cathy
Brown Avatar
April 13, 2011 at 11:01 AM
I am reading such diverse poems here at PoetrySoup. Poet's hearts are bleeding poetry today. That is where the best poetry comes from. It has been my pleasure to read your poetry today Cathy. Continue to write and share it and I will be back to read it. Have a wonderful day and may you find inspiration along the way. Love, Carol
Macmillan Avatar
April 12, 2011 at 8:42 PM
Cathy, I truly feel and understand your pain. My mother killed herself when I was twenty. It is so brave of you to share this with all of us. Thank you for your courage. I, too, wonder "could I have gotten through", but we both know in our hearts that their pain blinded them to all else. This year on my birthday I will be the age my mother was when she died. I already feel the weight of that--of feeling each extra day that I will be here. Do you know what I mean? All the sunsets, kisses, Xmases.
Get a Premium Membership
Turn off ads, get more exposure for your poetry, and get more features with a Premium Membership.
Book: Diverse Voices: The Poetry of Human Rights and the Pursuit of Peace