A Wrenching Choice
by Gay Williford

My fourteen-year-old daughter, Erin,
is the six-year survivor of divorced parents.
Today she’ll decide before a judge
which parent she prefers to live with.
I have tried hard, as a single parent,
to provide for her every need
as much as I am able with my 8 to 5 job.
I feel we’re as close as a teen and her mom
can be through these turbulent years.
Her dad, remarried with a child,
is allowed two visits a month.
Everything is carefully planned ahead–
holidays, summer camps, special events.
In a few moments, she’ll state her preference–
What will she say and what will happen this day?
I can only hope she’ll opt for me
as she is a presence
I don’t want to live without.



 

Return to: