Welcome To a life you do not know. To the young girl you did not watch grow. To a beginning near the end More then halfway through Into actual adulthood. It took two decades, twenty birthdays And now You want in. It’s been five graduations and one on the way All that just to here you call me ‘Your’ daughter. That fractured finger The broken ankle The street fight I got into with my fist Those dance classes, basketball, volleyball, and softball games You’ve missed. All because YOU weren’t ready. The writing contests I’ve won The ones I didn’t. My picture in the paper; my poems in books That honors medal I wore at graduation You did not see. You’re welcome You beat it to the wedding The first child. My true life has yet begun. With so much regret none may be undone. But in your absence Your shoes were filled. He saw the fractured finger The broken ankle and the fight I got into. Those softball games Every softball game in high school. He praised me when I won writing contests; Helped make my writing better when I didn’t. He showed to four out of five graduations. Was proud when I brought home those 4.0s. He was always HOME. He’s been waiting at the wedding Already holding MY first child He is MY dad. If things could be different I wouldn’t take them back YOU couldn’t take them back. You start where you left off You end where you choose I forgive your absence I will let you in. I’m glad you’re here NOW You’re Welcome.