d a d l e ss o n s

you taught me

life it easier when you wear doc martens and listen to obscure indie bands.

guess that was the most valuable lesson.

you used to read alice in wonderland to me

and i didn’t get it then. today i do, though.

i appreacite it now.

you spoke dr seuss’ words to me:

“you have brains in your head, you have feet in your shoes,

you can steer yourself any direction you choose. you’re on your own

and you know what you know.

and you are the girl

who’ll decide where you go”

and i wanted to go somewhere, i always do,

and yes you let me go

and yet you let me

come back home.

you’re pretty much perfect at your job,

i feel like you know everything and

you never yell (unlike her),

you read the books i read,

listen to the songs i listen to,

always trying to understand my messy mind.

it’s funny, ’cause you never had a dad yourself.

you told me to be kind

to the girl that i see in the mirror-

well i haven’t learned that

yet.

you taught me to un-learn stereotypes

those, that society teaches every kid.

and you taught me

to say no,

after all.

well, thank you, dad.