Absent by Khloe Money

You were a name
Said quietly,
Like if said too loudly
It would break glass

I learned the shape of you
Missed birthdays
Missed big moments
Empty seat at the head of the table
Other kids talked about their dads
Bringing them to daddy-daughter dances
Mine was more of a rumor
Something that was said to be real
But I never saw myself

Do you even know what you missed?
Do you care what I learned without you
How to stand alone
How to fight

I grew up quickly
Thinking about all the what ifs
If our laugh is the same
Our nose
Our smile
Or if my anger comes from you

I don't hate you
Which is the weird thing
You were never there
I just carry the weight
Of a seat you never filled
But a lesson you taught me
Without ever showing up

I became strong
Learning how to stand alone
How not to wait
Even without the missing piece of the family tree.