Something Missing

Walking down the street, watching.
Looking in strangers’ eyes, searching
for something familiar in the face of another,
unspoken connection, glimmering recognition.
Day after day, watching, looking, searching.

Lying sleepless, taught and tense,
ears waiting to hear the telephone ring.
Listening in darkness to silence. Sleeping, to
dream that dreams can be real.
Night after night, waiting, listening, dreaming.

Waking with sick hope and dread,
praying as parcels fall on the floor. Seeking
distant postmarks or unknown writing;
blind faith in believing it might be this time.
Year after year, praying, seeking, believing.

Wondering if fate will cross our paths,
if you’re out there, looking for me.
If, some day, my prince will arrive. Until then,
day after day, night after night, year after year,
I’m searching, dreaming, seeking a father.