The Space He Left by SK Richardson

the job of a mother

Every word I soften,

Every lie I tell,

It’s to protect her

from the father you never wanted to be.

What do you mean you’re moving?

Your daughter lives here.

Daddy’s really busy.

I don’t know when you’ll see him again.

Really…? Her birthday is in two weeks?!

I didn’t see a card from Daddy-

Maybe it got lost in the mail.

She went into surgery,

And you didn’t even try to call her.

You were so brave, baby girl-

So strong,

I’m so proud of you.

You hung up your uniform-

and just hung up on being a dad too?

I love you, little one.

I’ll be here

To pick you up after school.

I have to give you credit-

You Manipulate the role well.

It was just never about her.

Hey Big Girl,

I will always love you.

She couldn’t pick you out of a crowd,

and that’s your failure.

But you decided it was going to be that way.

She doesn’t ask about you anymore-

and I wont keep opening that door.

I stopped making excuses,

For a man who never produces.

You don’t get credit

For memories you didn’t make.

She’s growing up without you,

And you are to blame.

I’m done carrying the weight

Of your leaving.

You left-

And we don’t miss you.

What a fucking shame.