Absent Hands

Absent Hands
I am not the one to blame-
Though I carry this void within my soul
Like a crafted chain.

Every link placed by absent hands-
That took no part, or time, to mold
This child of yours into a man.

The memory I hold is of no memories at all-
It is simply a whisper of words not heard
By a voice which never cried out, or even called.

The fault is yours, it lies within-
That distance of ever far but never near
I am not the crucible of your mortal sins.

Yet how I wish this path I walk-
The journey I’m on, the steps I take
Could be shared with you; a simple talk.


That my shoulders had felt your arm’s embrace-
In those times a child will sometimes break
That hope is only now an empty space.

A blank I fill with a child’s dreams-
Of love, and joy, and peace, and laughter
But of your chains I am breaking free.

One by one the links they fall away-
Giving hope for the future ever after
That the cost of absence is not mine to pay.

Who I am is me, and those held dear-
Mentors, friends, and loving mother
So that I can face tomorrow and have no fear.

That I will lack, fall short, or somehow not suffice-
I will not hide or run from others
I will not be the heir to selfish sacrifice.



But still…so deep, profound, that I almost falter-
Is the anguish of heart, and soul, and mind
Caused by you, my absent father.

A Melting Pot Poem…
Inspired by my friend Michelle-
Aug. 8th, 2009