The Father i Don't Have

Once,

in the heat and gloom of summer,

i dreamt that i had a father who called me

sweetheart

and

princess.

In my dream

i had a goldfish in a bag,

which he held for me

when i asked him to watch me rollerskate,

which he did proudly.

He loved me,

this father,

and he liked to read old books and make sack lunches.

He didn't mind that i only wore petticoats and bloomers, corselets and camisoles

(he was not embarrassed to be seen with me)

or that i put metal studs and spikes in all things leather-masquerading

(he had me spike his loafers, and he drew my first tattoo).

He told me, before i woke up, that he loves me for who i am.

Always remember.

:he said:

Don't ever forget.