my daddy

you gave me life
and more love than i probably know.
you showed me how beautiful this world can be
through the work of your hands and your heart.
you suffered because of the darkness
and i understand only the shallowest depths of that pain.
you brought joy to my life
in moments of silliness and wonder.
you showed me how to be kind
to everyone, no matter their situation.
you taught me to learn
about only those things that make this world more beautiful.
you showed me the stars
but you gave me the universe,
and i only wish i could do the same for you.
you may not be here on earth anymore,
but you will always live in my heart.
you will always be with me.
i will always love you more than you probably know.
i will become a better person because of you.
i hope i can touch the life of someone as you have touched mine.
i love you, daddy. i love you. i love you. i love you.

the darkest pain

torn, ripped to shreds
dreams, hopes, desires
burned by the fires of hell
consumed and turned to ashes
never to be dreamed again.
an empty vessel
battered, bruised, shamelessly broken
by others and
she, alone, suffers
weak from being consumed.
forgotten
except for when they need her.
she cries, but no one hears
and her tears dry on her forlorn face.
tears that wet the ash
of her yesterdays and tomorrows.
she becomes silent
awaiting the arrival
of her phoenix.