DAUGHTER


She sits legs crossed

And smiles

What is she thinking

Perhaps of fairy tales

At two she doesn't like to be without her mother

Then she realizes

She is not alone

But with a stranger

The scream for Mommy

The running in circles

She is confused

Her Father is with her

She doesn't understand

She is safe

There is no calming her

And this will be the last time he sees her

He has dreamed of raising her

Of holding her on stormy nights

He tries to hug her

A moment of peace

Then the yelling and dismay

She runs for the door

But the knob is too high

The dog runs to the other room

She chases after him

The father puts her on his shoulders

Calm and some laughter

He proudly walks with her

Then the mother returns

His daughter runs to her

They will not see each other again

Mother and Daughter drive off


Michael V Hechtman