Jordan Peralta Poet Free verse

Notes About The Poem

This poem was written from the perspective of grief as it first takes hold--when loss feels unreal and the mind searches for comfort in familiar routines and childhood memories. It reflects the confusion, denial and longing that follow the absence of a parent, and the quiet hope that love might somehow soften the finality of goodbye.

 

WITHOUT DAD

The days are dark, and things are scary now.
I need someone to tell me it's okay, but you're not around.

These feelings are strange, and they're freaking me out.
If this is a trick, now's a good time to come out.

Don't tell me this is real.
Don't say that it's so.
You said you'd never leave me;
I don't want you to go.

Tell me a story-the one where you stay.
Can you tell it and make it last all day?
Repeat it again and again and again, please-just please—
I don't want it to end.

Can you check under my bed for monsters once more, and nurture my "owie" when I fall on the floor?
Lecture and yell as loud as you can— today I'd listen;
I'll be your biggest fan.

Dad, come out wherever you are.
I can't see you,
but I know you're not far.
I need a hug and a laugh to share.
Please come out— this game isn't fair.

I'm looking and searching, high and low.
I don't want to believe it;
I won't let you go.

Dad, come out-
can we play another game?
A life without you can never be the same.

There's a void in my chest, in my head, and in life.
Tell me you're playing—end all this strife.

Dad, come back.
I don't want you gone.
Just stay a bit longer, until the end of the song.

I'll play it again, again and again,
until my ears start to bleed or time starts to bend.

♡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

Michael Ramel January 21, 2026 at 5:20 PM Hi Jordon...welcome to Poetry Soup....I lost my dad in 1999. I miss him dearly......I like the line..."If this is a trick, now's a good time to come out." Jordan Peralta January 21, 2026 at 7:12 PM Thank you so much for the warm welcome and for sharing that personal connection. I am deeply sorry for your loss; I can tell that your father's memory stays very close to your heart. I'm touched that that specific line resonated with you. Sending you much peace and well wishes.