My Side… Dear Daughter

My dear daughter, you’ve said your part.
I’ll tell mine. Believing me or not is your choice.
I loved your mother, like I’ve never loved another
And I would choose you without hesitation, just like I’ve been doing.
I came back, doesn’t that count for something?

I wasn’t a coward, but your mother made the choice, to leave.
All I did was respect her wishes, like a man,
You can’t find someone who doesn’t want to be found,
And your mother was exactly that someone.
Still, after all those years apart, I came back when she called for me

I cry for you every day,
Even though it is said men don’t or shouldn’t cry
You’re my soft spot, my weakness,
My Achilles’ heel, my daughter

I have loved you since birth, and I’ll love you to death
You’re my pride, even though sadly, I’m your shame.
But I’m still your father.

Every word of spite from your mouth breaks me,
I’ll stay away. I won’t insist my presence on you,
Neither will I demand to be accepted by you. I came back,
To be denied and feel unwanted by the very people I want.
I’m sorry I wasn’t the father you needed.

You’re just like your mom, you know
Stubborn, strong, innocent, silly and wise at the same time
You were never a burden. I promise.
You are worthy of my love, worthy to be called mine.

The only regret I have is that in your eyes, I’m not good enough.
From me to you, you’ll always have my heart.
The path has been walked, the void’s been made.
You’re my reflection of brokenness. I would give my life,
To remedy the scars that my absence caused.
I love you, my daughter