I Am My Father's Daughter

                                               

                                                My husband tells me that

                                                once in a while, and

                                                even though I perceive

                                                an undertone of reproach,

I thank him.

So many times

that thought

                                                has come to mind,

                                                tinged with nostalgia.

                                                There are things I do,

                                                actions I take

                                                that speak my father’s name.

                                                My love of books, pens &

                                                beautiful writing,

                                                evoke his presence.

                                                My dogged pursuit of issues

                                                that threaten deep-rooted principles,

                                                I learned from him.

                                                I am my father’s daughter,

                                                a thought that makes me glad,

                                                even though at times

it causes me to be sad,

                                                for I know that there will never be

                                                a son or daughter who

will smile and say,

                                                I am my mother’s child.

                                                                                                © Mildred Santiago