Daddy, come home

The mirror you gave me one childhood
just before you went away
lay buried behind
my wardrobe doors
to be seen only when I felt strong
There, I looked for myself
just like you said I would

I replayed a summer with you
blue sky the days
daisy chains
riding your shoulders summit high
your breath mine
embracing a tireless sun

I looked for you
every day
through the hours' worn edges
and when light touched my face
pinning our eyes to stars
I missed you more

I changed house and husband
as if you cared.
Mimed happiness
like it was my own.
Birthdays, I picked at photos' edges
got fat on your black and white smiles

By the time I gave up on you
age had grown up around me
settling like dust in forgotten spaces
young skin creased
mapping a face, a place
so far unfound

***

In the corner of a room
where dawn is the first to fall
beyond curtains yet to be drawn
a girl's mirror hangs
waiting to be discovered
to hold one's gaze once more.