My dad was so tall
he could touch the sky
while laughing
at twelve upturned
adoring eyes.

My dad was a carnival ride,
one by one
we would be swept up
in strong arms
and our feather bodies
would rise easily
to the thrills of height,
head gently touched
to ceiling, screams
and giggles erupting
while
looking down on his
round beloved head
and sparkling eyes
of brown.

My dad smelled
so great, jumping into his
side of the bed
when he'd gone to work
was a favorite place
to stop nightmares
and have sweet dreams.

My dad
was an alcoholic,
hardly
ever home as he charmed
other people with his
wit, his style
of happiness,
while six pairs of eyes
waited for his arrival

at the house
of childish dreams
and unknowing hearts,
but my mother knew.

My dad
divorced his real life,
hurting tiny souls
who just wanted their daddy,
home.

My dad
moved away,

and died
from his disease.

My dad
left six hearts
broken
and crying, not
understanding,

why.

I want my daddy back.

Erin Elizabeth Kelly-Moen
© Copyright6/16/02
Kelly Family Photo