Daddy, oh Daddy

...a daughter's love for her father

Daddy, Oh Daddy

 

 

 

 

Daddy, oh Daddy

i never knew

the sound of your voice

speaking my name,

reading me “Alice in Wonderland”

teaching me how

to say my prayers

 

Daddy, oh Daddy

all i have

is a dated smile

in black and white

childhood memories of days long gone

days long gone,

oh Daddy

 

Daddy, oh Daddy

can you see

the woman i’ve become

the little girl i used to be...

now too long gone

too long gone

oh Daddy.

 

 

 

Reviews

[Lydia Shutter]

I miss my daddy so much. This poem is heartbreaking...touching....so emotional. Kelly, you still got it, GF! Lydi**

[Kelly Scheppers]

No matter what age we are when they die, I think we all become children when they do! Here's to "Daddy's girl's"...everywhere!

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

Kelly, your poem, and your love for your dear father, is so touching and poignant. The great use of repetition of “Daddy, oh Daddy” makes it seem like a child crying for a lost parent. Beautiful, lyrical lines and verses. The last three lines broke my heart.

[Kelly Scheppers]

There isn't a single memory of my childhood that I can remember. It seems that losing my father obliterated everything. Thank you, Annette. There are certain poems that, when we write them, we automatically know who will be touched by them. Let's just say you never disappoint!

[Annette Pisano-Higley]

You obviously suffered great trauma and miss your father deeply my friend. The father-daughter relationship is so important and defining for both. Nothing can lessen that hurt. It’s like a gaping hole in you heart. I believe that your father is loving and watching over you from above every day of your life. I wish you blessings, peace, healing and comfort always. Xo

[Ted Kniffen]

I like your poem Kelly, and the sentiment behind it. It is never easy to lose a parent, no matter what age you are. They become a distant memory...a voice in your head that pops up from time to time when you're tired and perhaps more receptive to the message.
My Dad has been gone 55 yrs now and I still think of him. He shows up quite often in my poetry.

A good write Kelly

[Kelly Scheppers]

I'm at the point of my life where I know I would have been taking care of him. My heart is cognizant of that, every day. Thank you, Ted. Perhaps our writing about our Dads is the best way to keep their memory alive!

[Ted Kniffen]

Kelly; it is not only the best way to keep their memory alive, but the best way to pass it on.

[Cory Barrett]

I think it would have done Silvia proud.

[Kelly Scheppers]

I appreciate the thought and comparison, Cory. Thank you!

[Dave]

Kelly - I'm so sorry for you. Fortunately I had two wonderful girls, now grown-up. I remember though when I thought I was missing out in their growing up. That is when I wrote "Children",. it's posted here.

[Kelly Scheppers]

My mom told me he loved to paint, so I guess I got the "creative gene" from him. Thank you, Dave!

[Einstein Noodle]

so sad .... the little girl ... growing up without her Daddy ...tho many lines are not "in between the lines" when i read this ...i like the final image and feelings i'm left with without wanting to know more .. its just so poignant and for your protagonist .."complete" ... i get a sense she has dealt with what ever took her dad away and has worked through the "process" ... seems you have written before about "Dad" ... but i am old and have lots of false memories ;}
E.

[Kelly Scheppers]

He was a man I barely knew, who died from complications of gangrene after an amputation. How I wish we could of had more time. Thank you, Gene. Good to have you back where you belong!

[Einstein Noodle]

oh my goodness! how awful! to think such a thing can still occur in this age of medicine ... even if it was 50 yrs ago :( my Da passed at 71 ... i was a rebellious youth so we had many a conflict ... but the last 12 yrs or so i had "come around" ..."grew up" ...and we shared some fine times talking, sitting, having a beer ... you make me so grateful ... too many times i wish i also had more time with him ...he only knew one of his Grandchildren and none of the Great ones ;) thank you for the welcoming words ... this is a very fine place to be because of you and those like you ...honest, kind and generous poets :)

[Alfred Kukitz]

Hello Kelly!

I missed you, vacation became a falling in love, home I think of Debra often. She loves me. In a sad sweetness I hear you call him, always wanting, always wishing, he could see you now. The poem is sweet like you.

regards,
al

[Kelly Scheppers]

I am anxious to hear all about Debra...and your trip! I'm so happy for you!

[barleygirl]

This is a haunting poem for all the ways it could be interpreted. I started out thinking this was going to be a warm fuzzy message, becuz of V1’s fond examples well detailed. Then in V2, your poem seems to turn a corner. This could be the “black box” of child abuse, abandonment, drug-preoccupation, or womanizing as a distraction from fathering. I’m conflicted as to your ending. I would not sit around & pine about such a daddy, but your ending is true to life for most people & your poem overall is very impactful (((HUGS))) Fondly, Margie

[Kelly Scheppers]

Perhaps I should have mentioned in the editor's note, that he died when I was only six, and I barely remember him. I think the loss is more pronounced to me now because this would have been the time in my life where I would have been taking care of him as an elderly parent. The significance of losing him is with me every day...so is the love! Thank you, Margie! Many hugs, my friend!

[barleygirl]

Sorry I missed the main thrust of how you intended this message to be. Thanks for sharing & I'm sorry to discover this is a true painful experience of yours! (((HUGS)))

[Cherrie Palmer]

I lost my dad when I was young. It was his memory and my concept of who he was that lead me. Wanting to be as much as he guided me.
Those ideals of him kept me and in that way he was able to walk with me my whole life.

I loved your poem.

[Kelly Scheppers]

Thank you most kindly, Cherrie!

[Dara]

To lose a father is like having a piece of you missing. To have it happen at such a young age would be devastating. I hope you take heart in knowing that he still apart of you and that you are living proof that his genes and memory have been carried on. I am so very touched by the longing I hear the your words. He would be so proud of the woman you have become, Kelly. I like to think that they are still with us somehow and know what we are going through. Thank you for sharing your thoughts and emotions. Sending you a big e-hug! xxx Dara

[Kelly Scheppers]

Your compassion and heart always comes through in your reviews. Thank you, Dara!