The daughter you never saw grow

They say time’s a healer, but no, they lie.
The gap you left only gets bigger each day.
The girl you left behind became a woman you'll never know.

You were my shade in the sun, my umbrella in the rain.
You kept me safe; your strong arms guiding my path.
In tears of sadness & joy, your wisdom I'll never have again.

You'll never give me away or see my children grow.
Yet somehow, you live within me every day.
Your absence drives me more than your presence ever could.

I imagine you sitting cross legged with your head buried in a book.
A piping hot cup of tea and a prayer mat by your side.
Every now & then you burst into song!

Maybe you'll look down one day & smile,
knowing I tried my best,
to be the daughter you never saw grow.

© Amy Serafina