Not My Father

I cower in the corner
I don't exist
My life is gone

I drop my last name
I get a new one
He's not my father
Not anymore

I hate him
I want him gone
I want to forget

I sit on
My new bed
Stare around
At my room

I sink on my back
And cry
Wallowing in my past

I hear a knock
The door open
A smiling face looking at me

I look up
Give a sad smile
And cry again

A comforting embrace
Soft words
Something I've never had before

I sink into the hug
And cry until I can't
And calm down

I thank him
Hug him
Then turn on my side
And sleep

He's not my father
Not anymore
I have my brothers
To help me through

© Emily Andriko