Dear Daddy (Part Two) By: Amanda K. Dudley-Penn

To my father, Eric Ray Dudley

Dear Daddy, I remember well
When you were absent for while.
It was when that moment happened
when I was pushed from being a child.
Dear Daddy, I still remember
wishing for you to arrive.
Every day that passed,
I died a little inside.
Dear Daddy, I knew
you had another girl.
I would  have loved to see her
Another sister in this world.
Dear Daddy, I wrote to you
while you were gone.
But you've disappeared before.
From me and your son.
Dear Daddy, I missed you
And wondered when you'd return.
A girl's daddy is important.
It's a lesson hard learned.
Dear Daddy, I loved you then
And I love you even now.
I try to understand you
I try not to think foul.
Dear Daddy, another chapter closed.
Another soon began.
Another child affected.
Another took your hand.
Dear Daddy, I wish for you
to tell about your life.
But now, I just live
within a never-ending strife.

Dear Daddy (Part One) By: Amanda K. Dudley-Penn

To my father, Eric Ray Dudley

Dear Daddy, did you know
That I was told how you were?
How you held me and
cherished me after my birth.
Dear Daddy, I still remember
when we played.
I remember your laugh
But it never stayed.
Dear Daddy, I wished for you
when you were far from me.
I didn't understand then.
The pain I didn't see.
Dear Daddy, I waited for you
and watched the cars go by.
Those times you didn't come,
I had to force myself not to cry.
Dear Daddy, I wish I knew then
how to take away the hurt.
But when you're a little girl,
Things are fractured and blurred.
Dear Daddy, I look back and
understand what you went through.
I hope you know unconditionally
That I love you.
Dear Daddy, I won't forget
who you used to be.
Before the darkness
Took you away from me.