Words for My Dad

By Teri Van Pelt

7-18-07

Sitting there in my dad’s ole’ pick up truck.

Feeling somewhat paralyzed, I felt stuck.

I possessed feelings for my dad I needed to convey.

Contemplating just what and how to say

I counted to three underneath my breath,

Felt like I was meeting death.

All at once, I let the words out. 

But his reply was with a cursing shout.

“Why must you talk that way?” 

“Love is something I don’t need to say.”

“I say I love you by the fact that you are fed.”

“Don’t you have a roof over your head?”

He sat there continuing to tear me a part.

I guess I should have kept the words “I love you” inside my heart.”