I see you everywhere I look
this ghost daughter of mine
in the backseat of the car mimicking the songs on the radio
in the grocery store holding my hand tightly against your tiny one
in the morning sunlight picking out your dress for the day
I hear you everywhere
you introducing yourself to guests at the front door
saying your whole name proudly
first, middle, and last
your voice screaming, "Mama!"
when you don't get what you want
I feel you everywhere
dancing in your tap shoes to L.O.V.E. by Nat King Cole
putting your arms out at the end
smiling ear to ear
jumping on me when I get home
holding onto my stomach with your arms
pulling on me
telling you what you've done today
your warm forehead when you're sick
and the feel of your brown hair in my hand as I pull back your bangs
I've never met you
but I miss you always