DADDY

By Tammy Ashton

 

I feel the wind rush against my back.

A wave rolls through my stomach.

I fly higher and higher then…. stop……..suspended……. before I fall, laughing……fearless. 

I know you will always catch me.

‘Again Daddy Again’ I chirp through laughter.

there was no one i trusted more

You throw me up and catch…. up and catch until your arms are tired.

I swore I could almost touch the stars.

there was no one stronger

I sit on your lap, imagination reeling, wide eyed I listen to your stories.

You opened my mind to the world and all its mysteries.

there was no one smarter

I lay my head on your chest, soft hair cradles my small cheek.

I hear your heartbeat.

there was no place safer

I walk a few steps ahead… stop and wait. Slowed by age and injury, you have pain with every step.

You don’t complain, just smile and make a joke.

there was no one braver

I have to say goodbye to let you go and be at peace…….. still…….

I can close my eyes and I feel the wind rush against my back.

A wave rolls through my stomach. I fly higher and higher….

‘Again Daddy Again’, I plead through tears.

there was no man I ever loved more
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Tammy Ashton has 18 pieces of poetry on Poemhunters.com. There is also a publisher in Tucson that has expressed an interest in her writing (Old Pueblo Publishing), but she hasn’t met with them yet. She is presently moving to Qatar.