IRRESPONSIBLE FATHER
I was raised by my mother’s tired hands,
two parents living in one soul.
Your absence filled our home with silence
I learned to call strength my own.
You came when I was in Form Four,
full of words, late concern.
You called me daughter with a smile,
promised things you never meant to earn.
University chose my name,
dreams ready to begin.
You promised help, you promised support
but promises don’t pay, they never did.
I don’t hate you, I understand now:
presence is more than being near.
I was raised by a woman who never failed
my father was simply never here.
T