Freshly cooked pancakes as I wake
Early mornings, never late
Three times a week, that’s all it takes
Praying more, this is not your fate
Flannel sweater, worn down jeans
Avoiding sweets since you fear machines
I know you from head to toe
Way up high, way down low
From your Favorite chucks, navy blue
To your collared shirts, you swore were cool
I hug you tight before you leave
In the back of my mind, I fear I’d grieve
I say bye dad love you, don’t be late
You say I’ll be back
You just wait
One day is all it took
One year and more to go
My Father’s, love I know My Father’s love, I grow.
--Eleanna P., 9th-12th Grade