I hate when mom says
“Oh you look like him”
So I cut my hair short,
I hate when mom says
“Oh you act like him”
So I cut the act short,

Would my life be different
If you were in it?
Would I make you proud?
If you were around?

Could I be more popular in school,
Would we go on summer vacations?
Would I have worked harder
Or would I stay complacent

Would you drink with me,
On my 21st?
Would you help me blow out candles,
On my 1st?

What can I call you
The stranger that I know
Or the father that I don’t?