Family Reflections

Father a year has passed
Since the day of the news
The day you decided
To give up and to lose

I remember little
Mostly those awful nights
Filled with ugly words
And endless fights

Love once so sweet
Became bitter and sour
Behind closed doors
Yelling hour upon hour

Brother and I
Many nights lie awake
How can we solve
These problems we make

Mom finally said
“Enough is enough”
With the help of an angel
She drew strength she got tough

We packed everything
Across country we did ride
Off to a new life
Three of us side by side

Things were not easy
It was a rough start
But slowly the tears dried
News songs in our heart

Some nights I would cry
For my angel to hear
Then the phone it would ring
Or on the doorstep he’d appear

At times we all felt
We would drown in the tide
Our angel never to busy
To come sit by our side

He provided us support
Courage gained to stand alone
A new kingdom we built
Constructed all on our own

Sadly mom now you are gone
But two angels have arrived
Though it feels like winter
I know we will survive

Two familiar voices have risen
Put upon them new roles
Filled with so much love
And such warm kindred souls

A new journey in life
A new family has begun
The voices give us strength
The strength to grow as one

I look back upon you father
You always were away
All the issues you had
Kept you at bay

Leaving so soon
You will miss out on much
I hope that my prayers
Give you a warm gentle touch

And now I look back
I am angered and sad
You may have been our father
But never made it to dad

-S-S-