When Dad Goes Away

I wake and wipe my eyes,
I see clothes in neat piles,
this is not a surprise,
sadness mixed with smiles.

There is no time to play,
that dreaded time nears,
he can no longer stay,
the car boot opens and bags disappear.

It is time to embrace,
the goodbyes start,
he reluctantly picks up the pace,
and quickly departs.

Next day I roam,
it is my father I seek,
but he is not home,
at least for a week.