Dear Dad.

Speak. Silent. Repeat. You let it soak

in; I submerge myself in your words.

we are

Tied, not by blood but by – I do not know:

Empathy? Curiosity? Love? Whatever it is that connects humans together.

All I know is, I can trust you,

to bring me up with your words as I'm

falling,

I can trust you to challenge

me until I'm unsure of myself but determined

To defend myself and reflect

Am I really doing the right thing?

I look into your eyes and see that same determination.

And, the last day, when you told us

(I wish it was only me)

how our time together meant so much more and

you broke me with tears and hugs and handshakes goodbye,

I knew I still spoke your language and slotted perfectly

Right next to you. And when I look up

I see a father. I do not know what you see when you look at me but

I see a father.

I love you.