A tradition in Modern American Poetry since 2005. Please visit my companion site, www.virtualpoetryreading.com and listen to some poetry.
(for the invisible stepparents)
Published on June 14, 2006 By Buddah Moskowitz In Poetry
it's ok

I saw you on December 9th
when I took you to the
emergency room when
you had bronchitis

and I spent time with you
on October 22nd when you needed
help with your algebra homework

and we were together on
June 2nd in that broiling garage
when we were trying to fix your bike

and I remember our dinner
on November 29th when we
went all out to Jose's for Mexican food

and we were together when
I took you to the orthodontist
on July 8th

and I remember taking you
to Dr. Girard's every other Wednesday
for the past year

and I remember we spent
quality time as I waited for you
when we went to the barber

and we had fun
when we played "Aggravation"
last February
before we all went to the
George Jones concert
for Mom's birthday

and I know your dad asked
to see you for Father's Day
and he doesn't ask
to see you often

so, don't worry about me

my memories and I will be fine
as we travel the high road
this Father's Day
just like we've done
in previous years

besides I'm not really your father

and it just wasn't my weekend
again.

Comments
on Jun 14, 2006
Lovely and bittersweet.

My daughter, who I am raising alone, is always worried about Father's Day. Does she give her gift that she made in class to me, even though I am her Mommy, or does she give it to her Poppa (grandfather) who is the closest father figure in her life? I was happy when she decided to give it to her Poppa, who has helped her grow into a fine little girl and has provided much love to her.

She's stopped asking about her biological father about a year ago, which is sad, though.

Just thought I'd share.

Happy Father's Day.
on Jun 14, 2006
Thanks for the comment and the support. Taking the high road is really a rough one. Perhaps that's why it's not taken as often.

Happy Father's Day to you, your daughter and especially Poppa.
on Jun 14, 2006
Oh how beautiful and so sad! 
on Jun 15, 2006
Buddah, I have decided that I have to be careful where I read your work, because so often your ability with words moves me to tears. This is yet again a lovely, if sad, piece.
on Jun 15, 2006
Buddah,
This is very real.

I'm so proud to get to know you here. You have a beautiful way with dealing with what a lot of people deal with. Thank you.
on Jun 19, 2006
Thanks for this. I don't know who said it but, biology is the least that makes a parent.
on Jun 21, 2006
This moved me Mr. Moskowitz. I'm late in getting here, but I'm glad I did!
on Jul 04, 2006
I knew you'd get through it. I love you, bro!

Johnny
on Sep 15, 2006
i like your poem and now i see y my dad dus not talk to me no more
on Sep 15, 2006
i like your poem and now i see y my dad dus not talk to me no more


why is that? was he absent? angry? sorry to hear that. I'll pray it gets better for you. - Moskowitz