I miss you
holding my hand,
and teaching me how to walk.
I miss my childhood with you;
I miss your care, your love—
I miss when you called me “my little mother,”
I miss you making me smile when I cried.
I miss staying in nights, talking
with you and sleeping in your arms.
Dad, I don’t know why I had to grow up—
I miss you: when I was sad, you
hugged me,
said everything would be fine;
you supported me when I was alone.
You gave me hope for my future.
I am here, father,
grown up now,
and standing on my own feet.
I won’t give you a hard time…
Where are you?
It is time I should hold you.
It is time for me to be for you,
time to take care of you.
time to return all you did for me—
Nights you didn’t sleep,
Days you didn’t rest
just to make sure I ate well.
You left me alone in a world,
where I must fight for what I want.
My happiness, my love in life
is gone with you.
You left this life, simply
making it hard to live without you.
Father, I don’t know why
I had to grow up,
to lose you,
to live without,
to see unfairness of life—
I miss you, Dad.
I miss our talks about struggle,
about love, about unity,
about keeping family together.
You fought with life and death,
but never gave up.
You lived your life with dignity,
and I’m Proud to be your daughter.
I have a long way to go,
but you are in my heart,
in my soul.
You guide me on my journey.
By Shogofa
The author is a student abroad. U.S. Air Force photo by Master Sgt. Sarah R. Webb
Dear Shogofa: I am very sorry that you lost your father. I, too, lost my father, but I was very young. There is always a part of your heart that will belong to him, and I am so glad that he was such a loving, warm, and strong person in your life. You have written a beautiful ode. Thank you for sharing these memories with us. Stacy
Shogofa — This is a sad but beautiful tribute to your father who sounds as if he was a wonderful person. I’m sorry he is no longer in your life but his strong support of you has made you a stronger person too and as you have written — he is with you in your heart and soul everyday and in everything you do. Thank you for sharing this moving poem. Nancy
Dear Shogofa, Thank you for sharing these words about your father. I can see that his goodness lives on in you.
Pat
Dear Shogofa,
What a beautiful and heartfelt poem. It has occurred to me recently that growing up can be really difficult, especially if it means moving forward without your parents. Some days are easier than others, so on the tough ones I think back to all of my happy memories with my mom and dad.
Thanks again for sharing. Sending good thoughts your way,
Bethany
Dear Shogofa,
I am sorry to learn of your loss. Such a beautiful poem. You, your father and your writing are an inspiration. Thank you for this beautiful, heartfelt writing!
Jim
Dear Shogofa ja
how muc iappreiacte your this poetry wich is related about your dad its not enough. you foucsed all sides . well done sister. i have feelings for my great dad . carry on your writting no doubt one day you will be the famous writter. GOD BLESS YOU
SHAMIM AMIRI