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