Damn you, Father, for killing me!
Damn your drinking on holidays!
Damn the need to feel father-needy,
Damn myself, ever bleeding.

Thank you, father, for leaving me,
Thank you for the freedom to read!
Thank you for lengthy summer days,
Thank you for the dreams I’ve staged!

Damn you, father, for leaving me,
Damn your drinking off holidays.
Damn the need to feel father-safe,
Damn myself, bleeding waif.

Thank you, Father, for killing me.
Thank you for the freedom to see.
Thank you for shortening winter days,
Thank you for the dreams I’ve waged.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright 11/23/06