Dear Dad

Mom is doing well, she seems pretty happy

I'm fine too, however I've been a bit snappy

I'm trying to keep my sadness at bay,

I always miss you the most when it's my birthday

Every year I grow older, bolder

But there is always a weight on my shoulder

Would you still love me? Be proud of me?

Like you were when I won that spelling bee

Life isn't as easy as that silly contest

I didn't realize one person could get so stressed

But I'm trying real hard to make you proud

Always looking for the silver lining around my dark cloud

Would you think I'm pretty? Show me off?

Or would you be ashamed and think I'm a sloth

Would I, could I, still be your little girl?

C'mon let's play pretend, give it a whirl

Let's pretend you're just an hour away

You can come over anytime, even for a stay

You could tell me how much you love me

Yes, I like this game of pretend, I'm starting to see

I see you standing there, so tall and strong

You're telling me you're proud, and nothing is wrong

The vision is fading now, you're going away

I guess I'm too old now, my imagination is starting to fray

Please come back to me! I don't want you to go!

You're supposed to be here, it's your job to help me grow

Maybe you could somehow, come back to me again, some way

It'd be so great to hear "I love you, Happy Birthday"