“Dad’s home!” I hear my sibling yell
We all rush to the door
Excited and ready to tell
Him all about our day

We greet him with a smile
And hugs all around
He was looking toward the kitchen tile
The next day our mom

Pulled the kids aside
She said we couldn’t yell
Or be too excited when dad comes inside
We were all confused

But we gave dad his space
We greeted him
Trying to show him grace
And as the days grew longer

The space between us also grew
It’s been 10 years dad
Without a single hug from you
I know you have step kids now

I wonder if you hug them
After a long day
Or if you still run away
Just like you used to do