I stand in the quiet,
your room without you,
beds neatly empty,
missing laughter from two.
Five years you’ve been mine,
my anchors, my air;
your tiny hands pulled me
from darkest despair.
I write these words slowly,
unsent but sincere;
you gave me the courage
to fight through my fear.
Your innocence shields you
from pain I hold tight—
one day we’ll sit fireside
and I’ll share what’s right.
My demons retreat
when your smiles appear;
your laughter, your voices,
the best sounds I hear.
Time rushes past me,
you’re growing too fast;
each moment without you
feels lost to the past.
I promise you both,
as true as I breathe,
you saved me, you changed me—
the best parts of me.
So keep being joyful,
keep growing so strong;
one day you’ll read this
and know you belong.
Always your father,
always nearby,
anchored by your love—
my reason, my why.
Originally written in 2015
