This made my heart sink into my toes.

I agree with Britt, this makes my heart sink. My father also comes and goes, I however, find solace in the waves of the ocean. I find solace on the beach at night because you can feel the love between the ocean and the moon most strongly then. The waves reach and evr fall short of touching the moon but the moon still rises and waves still reach. Even though he comes and goes and steps all over me when he's around theres still a part of me that will forever be a little girl yurning for her daddy. Great write, nicely penned, as alway.

Excellent skill of writing you have.

This piece is so sombre yet is brutally honest and many people can relate maybe not always for their father but another loved one in their lives that should be there throughout yet wade in and out of their lives.

The title could be interpreted in many way as is one of the open minded titles, I feel.

The ocean
reminds me of my father.
^^
The opening couplet is a very saddening start and tells us exactly why you decided 'ocean' as the title because it can be a beautiful thing yet so destroying to lives.

The waves return
only to leave
and take what little
warmth left in my bones
with them.
^^
This is such a sad stanza because of the sad realization of what is happening with the relationship between you and your father and it's so sad because it can mess with us mentally, emotionally and physically and although we crave that bond sometimes it's to worth it to be hurt time and time again. Like the ocean it can be so destroying to people.

What a wonderfully written piece that although short is full of emotion.

Take care, Em

This is such a heartfelt write, one I think many can relate to.... Beautifully penned on such an aching subject.

Ben