What Make's A Daddy? Poem by John Yaws

I started up the sidewalk,
An old friend for to see.
A pretty, little brown eyed girl
Came running up to me.

She gazed at me intently-
Then she reached out for my hand-
She said, "I have a question-
To ask you, Mr. Man".

She asked, "Are you my Daddy?
Please tell me it is true..
My Momma has his picture
And he sure does look like you! '

I took her little hand in mine-
And gently told her, "No"-
And watched the teardrops in her eyes
And sadly turned to go...

I climbed back in my pickup
And drove out of her life...
I didn't even stick round-
To speak to my ex-wife.

I never told that child a lie-
Although she is my blood...
She's far too young to realize
Would not have understood...

A daddy's more than flesh and blood
And traits passed on by genes-
I'd like to take a minute more
And tell you what I mean.

A Daddy's there to pick you up
And brush away your tears.
To hold you in his arms at night
And gently calm your fears.

A Daddy's peace and safety-
In a world that's gone insane....
It takes more to be a Daddy...
Than to give a child your name.