Single dad

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until my kid keeps asking, “Where is my mother?” — that makes both of us sad.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until my colleagues keep asking,

“Where’s your wife — the one you had your kid with, lad?”

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until my kid misses that soft touch after making his father mad.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until my best friends say they miss the smile I shared with her — the one I once had.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until I fail to correct my little one’s every single mistake — big or tad.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until you don’t have time to play, so you buy them the trending video games that are super rad.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until some mutual fights turn into divorce — filled with remorse, labeling me a betrayer or a cad.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until I hate to gad about town — haunted by her memories and buried worries, leading to substance abuse and money misuse, spending cash in a wad.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until I’m left searching for things to keep my son busy — whatever’s popular or fad.

Being a single dad can’t be that bad —

Until I come home to silence in our quiet little pad.

Now, instead of worshiping pride or ego,

I’m just glad to take him to meet his mother twice a week — and wisely sneak in a red rose with the toys, action figures, and Lego.

She teaches our boy some Spanish — like hola and amigo,

Now he knows why he’s half from Chicago and half from Vigo.

I thank God these visits helped my child understand — no parent was cruel or corrupt,

It was our mistakes that left him hurt, forced to choose between the two he loves — with every if and but.