For my father

Father.
I am a woman today.
I stand,
bearing your likeness.
Remembering all that you
never were to me.
Father.
I am a woman today.
I stand here at your grave,
unable to contain,
this feeling of emptiness.

Father.
I'd like to see your face.
Not just in the mirror,
each day.
I'd like you to hold me
close.
And help me forget,
that I am a woman today.
Father.
All the years and yesterdays,
hold an empty space,
where you've belonged.
And I have my own
children now.
Father.
I stand here at your grave.
With no place left,
for my tears to fall.
Empty in the sorrow,
of your tragic death.
Father.
I am a woman today.
Bearing your likeness,
I stand.
Remembering all
that you never were to me.
Father.