Dad Did You Poem by Christine Sherratt

DAD DID YOU?
Did you ever make me dinner or put me to bed at night
Or throw away my worries by holding me tight
Did you ever take me to school or watch me in a Christmas play
Or be my Santa Claus on that very special day
Did you ever play the adult, so that i could be the child
or stay at home with me to sacrifice your nightly pint of mild
Did you ever set a good example of how a father should be
Or ever say just once how much you loved me
Did you ever know what grade i got in my university exam
Or understand my pain when I found out my marriage was a sham
Did you ever appreciate how many times over the years I’ve lost you, Dad
Or understand my loneliness or why I was feeling sad
Did you always think of me as your daughter instead of your best friend
Or come to me with your problems so a listening ear I could lend
Did you ever look close enough to see the qualities of you, in me
Or was you too busy living life, enjoying your own company
Did you ever realise that you were my shining star
Dazzling in the distance whilst I was watching from afar
Did you ever realise I thought you was the best thing since sliced bread
Or that this little girl couldn’t get you out of her head
Dad, did I ever take the time to tell you how amazing I think you are
At playing your music and restoring your vintage cars
Did I ever put my arms around you and comfort you in times of pain
Or did I only criticise you for not being who I wanted you to be, time and time again
Did I ever pay any interest in your life or your dreams
Or understand your decisions or what they mean
Did I always think you could do more than what you can
And always looked at you as the Dad who got it wrong and forgot you were a man
Dad, did you ever know or understand how much I really loved you
Or do I wish that over the years I had once told you and that I still do