Daddy's Girl

Ivory silken wispy trumpet sleeves ran into sweet smelling roses,
How I longed for you to lead me down the aisle on my special day.
You were not there.

My head held high, I marched to centre stage to collect my degree,
Mum was smiling proudly, committing the memory to film.
You were not there.

Anxiously, when I scanned the board for my A-level results,
Weeping at my failures, I needed to find comfort in your arms.
You were not there.

As I became an adult you forgot to wish me a happy birthday.
Then, other frustrated fathers were teaching their daughters to drive,
You were not there.

But, with the whiff of a greasy burger van, a distant memory stirs,
Sitting tall above your strong shoulders the fireworks explode above;
Just you and me.

As I pat our faithful friend, I remember our starry lit strolls together,
Wickedly, we’d walk to the chip shop, on return disposing of paper evidence;
Just you and me.

Sometimes, struggling to sleep at night I still see you at my bedside
Your fingers run gently through my hair whilst you whisper me a story;
Just you and me.

Seeing your struggle with cancer challenges such treasured memories,
Weakened by chemotherapy, skin yellowed and wrinkled before time,
You were not there.

You battled for months imprisoned in hospital but, finally , your jovial spirit fell,
Face bloated, wispy intermittent grey soft strands, replaced jet black hair.
You were not there.

Defeated you lay; and for the first time I told you “I love you”
You could not answer, but from your eyes before you passed away
I knew that you were there.