Why Do You Care?

Why do you care about a man who left us
  to find himself or find
  another job or whatever
  reason he gives.

You are an amazing kid.

Why do you care about a man who never calls you
  or visits, yet insists it's not his fault
  that he never sees you
  or talks to you.

You deserve more.

Why do you care about a man who treated his
  friends far better than you
  and continues to.

You make me smile every day.

Why do you care about a man who turned
  his back on God and his family's religion
  for the world, science, and reason.

You are stronger than you realize.

Why do you care about this absent man in your life?

I know why.
Because you love with all of your heart,
  you forgive;
you dream that someday he will change.
  I hope you're right.

In the meantime, you brighten our home with
  your peaceful spirit,
  your musical and mathematical talents,
  your jokes and stories,
  your good heart.

Copyright 2012  Corrina L. Terry
Photo credit: Corrina L. Terry
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My apologies---I don't feel like I'm a very good poet. I don't really have the patience for it, but I had to get this one out. It wouldn't go away. I've had a haunting melody in my mind for about a week now and the words that go with it are, "Why do you care about a man?" I knew it would be a poem about my son, J, and his bio dad, but didn't know how it would eventually come together.

I cried the whole time I wrote it. (Still crying.) J won't see this for a very long time, if not forever. I don't want to hurt him, but needed to work through some of my own frustrations as his mother, watching him light up when the phone's for him and his face fall when major holidays and events go by without a call or visit.

On a happier note - - - my new hubby, Steve, stepped into the Dad role without missing a beat. He's the man J calls "Dad." He's a role model I'm happy to have J follow.

I hope that J knows how much I love him. He is the BEST kid in the world! He's amazing in so many ways and has so much potential. No matter who or what his bio dad is, J can be whole. He can overcome the pain of divorce and loss and have a happy life of his own. He's worth every sacrifice and every moment spent as his mother times infinity! I am truly blessed. :o)