Dear Daddy,
I hope fall finds you well,
That the air is not too cold,
And that work is going fine--
You haven't called in months--
How is that half-sister of mine?

High school started well this year;
My teachers all are kind.
And I'm in high level classes
That are sure to shape my mind.
I'd like to be a scientist,
Or a writer just like you,
And I want to go to college,
So hard work I'll have to do.

Mom has found a job up here,
And it seems to do her good.
You haven't written to me, yet,
Like the courthouse says you should.
I've met a boy--we hit it off--
Now he's asked me on a date,
And even though I'm nervous, dad,
I still can't hardly wait!

Dear Daddy,
Today was very cold.
The yard is full of dead leaves, still,
And there are dark clouds in the sky.
I'll be grounded if the leaves aren't raked
Before the snowflakes fly.

How is papaw doing now?
I heard he's very ill.
Your sister called and left me word--
I've not heard from you, still.
Perhaps the mailman's got your letters--
I shall ask on Saturday
When I can run outside and catch
Him before he gets away.

My first date back two months ago
Went well, I'll have you know.
Adam took me with some friends
To see a standup show.
I wish that things were still as good
As they were when last I wrote--
Suffice to say that love can bite,
And it hurts when your heart's been broke.

Dear Daddy,
How is spring out there?
I'm writing, though you don't reply,
And do not seem to care.
But still I keep on trying
For my busy life to share....

Last Saturday I started work
At the local fashion mall.
At half passed six, the store was swamped,
And what was worst of all
Was my ex and his new girlfriend came,
And seemed happy as could be--
Still I saw, behind her back,
That he was looking right at me.

Spring break starts this Friday,
And I wish that I could fly
On a plane on Saturday
To visit all you guys.
But my boss has offered hours
That I can't afford to lose,
But know, although you don't write back,
That work is not what I would choose.

My college applications
Went out some time ago,
And today I got a letter saying
I could attend the U of O.
I know you must be worried,
But my tuition's all paid for.
Thank Goddess for those scholarships--
I won't be worried anymore.

Dear Daddy,
Well, the summer's gone away.
You didn't write and didn't call--
I'm still alive, you know,
And I could have used your help
In May, four months ago.

You might remember Adam
And the love we shared last fall--
You might recall we broke up quick,
If you tried to care at all.
Well now we're back together--
We plan to wed in fall, next year--
And no, you're not invited,
So you won't have to drive up here.

How hard is it, dear daddy,
To lift the goddamned phone?
Does it bother you your daughter
Without your father here has grown?
I looked to you for guidance,
But only silence could I find.
It's easy to forget, huh, dad,
Since here I'm out of sight and mind.