"You Do Not Do"

I’d trace the contours of your gentle face.

My finger crayoned lines around your eyes.

And I would tug at your beard, just in case.

You'd push me away gently, which was wise.

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And as I grew into primary school.

You swung me around, safely in your arms.

Laughing into the air - a silly little fool,

A Daddy’s girl enchanted by your charms.

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But spells aren't supposed to be eternal.

Your magic vanished in a cloud of smoke.

And left in its place a tattered journal.

To trace the pieces of me that you broke.

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But daughters aren't just seasons in a life,

Switched out for another child, and a new wife.

The title is a brief reference to the poem, 'Daddy' by Sylvia Plath. You can read it here if you would like