My Father's Echo

Fourteen, almost fifteen, a heart in strife, Memories of my father, a complicated life. We fought, we clashed, his choices caused such pain, Yet love remained, like sunshine after rain. "I wish you gone," the words still haunt my sleep, A youthful rage, a promise I couldn't keep. Then sickness came, a twist of cruelest fate, And Mom, with grace, refused to seal the gate. A stepfather's love, a gentle, guiding hand, A friend, a comfort, in this shifting sand. He cared for Dad, with kindness and with grace, A bond of love, in this unexpected place. November's night, a final, fading breath, My father's gone, embraced by silent death. Regret, a heavy cloak, I cannot shed, The words I spoke, forever in my head. I smile, I laugh, I say that I'm okay, But inside, I'm breaking, more and more each day. I hide the tears, I mask the endless pain, Afraid to show the cracks, afraid to feel again. But maybe, just maybe, it's time to let it go, To honor him with love, and let my true self show. To heal, to grow, to find a brighter way, And cherish every moment, of every brand new day.