DADDY'S HEART

by Stacie Williams

He watches from across the room, as she gathers up her things.

Deciding what to leave behind, and choosing what to bring.

She’s filled with indecision, not knowing what to do.

Wondering if she’ll miss it, or if it’s something she will use.

As she makes her choices, she really doesn’t see.

How much it breaks her daddy’s heart, to know she’s going to leave.

The muscles in his jaw, tighten up to fight the tears.

As he hurries her along, for the time has now drawn near.

The car pulls in the drive, and he calls out her name.

Then hugs her one last time, as he tries to hide the pain.

He watches from the porch, till she disappears from sight.

And tries to fight the loneliness, he feels on Sunday nights.

This isn’t what he bargained for, it’s so hard to understand.

How he’s gone from full-time daddy, to this visitation plan.

They shouldn’t have to say goodbye, and live in separate homes.

There shouldn’t be a week of joy, then a week spent all alone.

Deep down, of course, I’m sure he knows, some parents have much less.

And if you look for fairness, this plan works out the best.

But, that doesn’t make it easier, when he says his last goodbye.

And emptiness surrounds him, that’s too strong to deny.

There’s a piece of him that’s missing, till he climbs into his truck.

And drives to her new home, when it’s time to pick her up.

Then his world is filled with happiness, ‘cause his little girl is home.

But even then he knows, it won’t be all that long.

Until he watches from across the room, as she gathers up her things.

Deciding what to leave behind, and choosing what to bring.

EAT RIGHT?

by Stacie Williams

As a New Year’s resolution, to eat healthy was my vow.

So, I bought some books to see, just how this comes about.

One said avoid the red meat, ‘cause cancer it will cause.

And if this doesn’t happen, your arteries will clog.

So, I relied upon the chicken, till I thought I’d sprout a feather.

That’s when I tried another book, this guy knew something better.

It said avoid the chicken, or your stomach will protest.

For people with my blood type, this bird we can’t digest.

Yet, this one said, “enjoy your beef, but avoid tomatoes at all cost.”

No ketchup on my list from here, my french fries feel quite lost.

And scratch out all the olives, forget the refried beans.

This really puts a damper on my Mexican cuisine.

Then they said try out a lamb, some venison, a bunny.

Do they not watch Disney Channel? This really isn’t funny!

So, yet another book was read. Boy did this one have some faults.

No more dairy products?! No more sugar?! No more salt?!

Disgusted with the books, I swept them from my desk.

For if I followed their advice, I’d surely starve to death.

So, pulling up my New Year’s list, I scrolled down to number three.

And made a quick revision, to eat anything I pleased.