Daddy

eye
luv
yew
dabdie.

The 'eye' is drawn,
a big, square baby-blue
centered on the page
with words scattered below it

the paper is crumpled at one edge
where it had been clutched tightly,
muddy little nails scratching its
snow white surface

after some prodding,
coaxing, wheedling
the card is relinquished
presented as a gentle gift

the baby-blues stare back at each other
as the simple note lays on daddy's
blue italian suit
and baby says one last goodbye