Poetry on Odyssey: Fostering Hope | The Odyssey Online
Start writing a post
Relationships

Poetry on Odyssey: Fostering Hope

Dear Dad — a message from your son.

153
Poetry on Odyssey: Fostering Hope
Samuel Zeller

Dear Dad,

Hey Mister,

I'm writing on behalf of me and my little sister,

We miss ya.

I swear next time we'll listen,

Please, Dad, don't leave us in this prison.


I wish I could be faster

Than these feelings I foster

Care to tell me how I can outrun this monster?


I'm lost, fighting to understand

Why you wouldn't take my hand

When they pulled me away.

Each night I pray

I'll see the day when you say

You're here to stay.


Oh, hey,

There's something you missed:

The first word from my little sis.

Please don't get mad,

But the first thing she said was, "Where is my dad?"


And I've got a question, while I have your ear,

What does it mean when someone calls you queer?

I think that's why you hit grandpa at Christmas last year.

Well, they call me that every single day here.


Aside from all that, things haven't been great,

I gotta say I really hate

Our once a week lunch dates.


I've got so much to tell you, so many things to ask,

But every time you go to leave I have to drop my mask.

I can no longer live with my lies;

Were you surprised to see tears in my eyes?

I love you, Dad, I could never despise

You, but I can't take another round of goodbyes.


By the way,

I wish it could be like the old days.

Back when you and Mommy were friends.

Why is it everything I'm a part of ends?


I don't mean to be rude, but I gotta ask about the bottle,

'Cause I stopped using one when I was a toddler.

Are you somehow hoping it will make things better?

If you drink away your pain, so you forget me, forget her?


We were your responsibility,

And now, as far as I can see,

Your kids, for a buzz, you traded—

Was it really so important you stay intoxicated?


In talks, frustrated, you're always meeting with your lawyer.

Remember when you used to read me "Tom Sawyer?"

Never mind, we'll never find

A way back to when you were kind.


Like I said before,

I can't take goodbye no more,

So this is the last one, I'm no longer your

Problem, your headache,

Your five-year-old mistake.


I'll pack up my things and go

Into the system,

But you should know,

Ten years from now, if someone asked if I missed him,

If I missed you,

I'd honestly have to ask, "Who?"


I'm sorry, Dad, that's the way it's gotta be,

'Cause you ain't living life the way it ought'a be

Lived. So for the last time, goodbye,

You can't say I didn't try.

But I'm tired, and I'm done.

I love you,

Signed,

Your Son


Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

5 Things To Do That Are Better Than Writing A Paper

Don't waste your time trying to write that paper when there are so many more interesting things you could be doing.

4765
computer keyboard
Unsplash

Writing a paper is never fun and is rarely rewarding. The writer's block, the page requirement, be specific, but don’t summarize, make sure you fixed any grammatical errors, did you even use spellcheck? and analyze, analyze, analyze.

Papers can be a major pain. They take up so much time and effort that by the end of the process you hate yourself and you hate the professor for making life so difficult. Questions of your existence start roaming in your mind. Am I even cut out for college if I can’t write a single paper? Am I even capable of taking care of myself if I lack the energy to open my laptop and start typing?

Keep Reading...Show less
Relationships

10 Reasons Why Sisters Are The Best

Who could be a better friend than your own sister?

2914
sisters
Taylor Hooper

I can barely remember back when I was the only child. Most would say it’s because it is extremely difficult to remember things as a toddler but I would say it's because I was bored until my sister came along. My mother always says how important the "sister bond" is and with every year that passes I realize how right she is. Instead of writing a novel about all of the wonderful things there are about having a sister I decided to list a few of them instead.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

How To Adult

You're gonna make it after all.

4098
how to adult
Twitter

It is the time of our lives that we are beginning to enter the adult world and most of us, if not all of us, have no idea what we are doing. It's like starting a video game, but skipping the tutorial. We're all just running around aimlessly hoping we accidentally do something right that moves us along the right path. Now that graduation has just happened, or is right around the corner for some of us, it's time to start thinking about how we are going to take care of ourselves once we are on our own.

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

7 Signs You're A Starbucks Addict

I'll be the first one to admit I'm addicted to Starbucks.

2311
drinking coffee
Tumblr

If you’re anything like me, you love a good cup of coffee. My coffee always comes from Starbucks; I refuse to drink it from anywhere else. Over the years, it’s become one of my biggest addictions. So, if you are aware that you’re a Starbucks addict as well, or maybe you need to check to see if you’re an addict, here are seven ways to tell.

Keep Reading...Show less
people  in library
Photo by redcharlie on Unsplash

College involves a whirlwind of emotions, whether it’s from the stress of an assignment (or twenty), or from fighting with your roommate. It can be overwhelming at times and it’s important to take a step a back and calmly think things over. Maybe gain some perspective. The following aren’t foolproof tips and may not apply to you, but I was able to find success with them (hope you do too!)

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments