Her dad

She lived in an old house
white weather beaten wood
green shutters
in need of paint
old swing on the front porch
she loved the afternoons
sun shining
red leather shoes kicking the air
and then the one day the chain snapped—
she screamed more out of fright
than danger
her mother ran out, but didn't seem to notice her
hanging at and odd angle
her mother puffed
desperately on her cigarette
looking at nothing
but serious looking
the door slammed
and her father walked
clutching a old battered suitcase under his arm
paused for a moment
staring at her mother
before walking toward her
he kissed her on the cheek
and continued down
the cobble path
out the front gate
no wave goodbye
and that was the last time
she saw him—
her dad