Father Lost ©

Through the years, and through the tears,
dads have come and gone.
Some were good, some were bad,
but dads they are remains.

The heart cries out, a silent shout,
for all the world to hear,
but some are answered, and some are not,
thus the pain remains.

He’s left alone, yet still a child,
the paths are looking bleak.
Dad was taken, Dad is gone,
the guidance has been lifted.

He wanders here and wanders there,
as the incessant questions ask,
Am I worth it? Am I near it?
Groping in the dark.

The pain is real, the lies are steel,
that robs this child of more.
Shoot the arrow like a prayer
that frees the mind and soul.

To know self-worth and destiny
so lives aren't torn apart.
Heal the root, solve the cry,
giving answers to this heart.

To face your loss and change the course
takes everything you’ve got.
To give to yours what you have not
will unlock your legacy.

Can you come? Can you go?
Can you make this choice?
I’ll hold your arm and help you up,
like a Father long lost.

And from the dust,
And from the ash,
the emotions are restored.
And slowly, over time, you will make it there.

 Written by Michael Ambrosio
Copyright 2003

Michael Ambrosio is author of the I Don't series of children's picture books (ages 4-8) and the upcoming Destiny series of chapter books (ages 8-12). He makes author appearances at Sacramento area elementary schools and lives in Folsom, California with his wife and five children. For more info, visit www.lionxpublishing.com