Daughter
You were standing there at the credit union
asking what I wanted
When I looked at your name tag
and knew without asking
That you were the daughter older now
but still the one
Whose mother unexpectedly died in her sleep
and you awoke to find
Life had changed irreversibly
with you in it
Motherless child left with only a half thought
she didn't finish
Said you would discuss it in the morning
she was so tired
Decisions to be made about graduation
and your new dress
Left with only your brother
and your pointed-nosed father
To discuss while the rooms
full of limp flowers
Leave you feeling sticky
No time for sadness
People you don't know want hugs
for themselves not you
I want to tell you I knew her once
that she was good and a redhead
You smile and hand me a receipt
that I sign and smile too
I look into your eyes to see
if there's any hint
Something missing you didn't expect
to go forward
To get here without her
whispering her support
But your eyes are shiny bright
you know your job
Show no sign at all
that you stood alone that morning
Shattered in the damp dawn knowing
that the hand reaching out for you was cold