Losing Dad

What do you see, Dad, when you look at me?
Do you see the little girl holding your hand?
As we walk together across the sand.
Tell me, Dad, what do you see?
What do you see, Dad, when you look at me?
Do you see us playing and frolicking in the sea?
Jumping the waves together, just you and me?
Tell me, Dad, what do you see?
What do you see, Dad, when you look at me?
Do you see us milking the cows together?
And feeding the calves?
Tell me, Dad, is that what you see?
What do you see, Dad, when you look at me?
Are we out riding our horses together?
Galloping across the fields. Some of my favourite times.
Tell me, Dad, what is it you see?
What do you see, Dad, when you look at me?
Maybe the day when I took your arm as we walked into Church
And you gave me away.  I remember your speech.
Tell me Dad, is that the me, that you see?
What do you see, Dad, when you look at me?
Is it the heartbroken daughter, losing her father?
Desperately trying to hold onto any part of him she can.
Tell me Dad, that’s not the me that you see.

© Sharon Malone 2021