my dad
trying to remember
without forgetting
I remember his chuckle
and the way his eyes smiled
I remember his stride
and trying to keep up
I remember him taking us
to play tennis
I remember him
having lunch ready
I was his back scratcher
his daughter
I don’t remember
any kisses or hugs
but sometimes
love looks different
I remember his laugh
and the way he smelled
I remember his eyes
and the way he looked at me
I remember his love
and miss him
there was a time
when I forgot on purpose
but now I remember intentionally