Dear Dad,
I hope you realize your role as a father wasn’t just to provide.
I hope you know that Mom goes to bed every night with a wounded heart waiting for your warm embrace.
I hope you realize how I wanted to feel your presence so much that I went ahead to seek solace in the hands of another.
His touch I wanted, a void I needed to fill.
Dear Dad,
I sought solace in the hands of a man who only reminded me you were all the same.
Dear dad,
I hope you realize all we wanted wasn’t a happy house but a home.
It’s been fifteen years since I last laid my eyes on you.
I’ve decided to erase the memory I had of you. The little there was.
Dear dad,
I hope you know Mom fought for you till her last breath.
Udu Sylvia (she/her) is a Nigerian poet that prefers to be referred to as Avia. She writes poems. Say hi to her on Instagram : @Alex_sylvia_
Featured image by Kelly Sikkema.
