The Day Daddy Disappeared

A few years ago
When pain was quite rare
I remember having a daddy
Who suddenly was n t there.

One morning at breakfast
He was n t sat by my side
I asked mommy where you were
But she just cried.

I went to school
And tried to concentrate
I was hoping that maybe
Your plane was simply late.

I rushed home
Searched everywhere
From the garden to the attic
But you were n t there.

I found mommy crying
Huddled up on her bed
I asked what was wrong
But not a single word was said.

My grandma came
Said we had to stay with her
Daddy that night I laid in bed
Wondering where you were

The next morning
Grandma woke us up at eight
Immediately I asked her why
You were so very late

She took a deep breath
And she carefully said:
‘My children, I’m sorry
But your father’s … dead.’

Was this a joke?
Some sick game?
Grandma said you died
Inside that plane …

Her face didn’t break
But her eyes did cry
I whispered, scared;
‘Did daddy really die?’

She nodded slowly
And I ran from the room
I refused to believe it …
Daddy would come home soon …

Later the radio was on
The news man was saying
About a big plane crash
And that the whole world was praying

I listened carefully
As the news man said
There are many missing,
And thousands dead.

****

I’ll always remember the day
Daddy went to heaven
I’ll never forget the date,
It was 9/11.

© Copyright Sharon Ardern 2005

* I didn’t lose my dad that day, this poem is dedicated to all that did.