Father

he calls twice a year
he called today
because he is worried about
her situation
to let her know
he feels that her future
endeavors are a dream
he cannot see her surviving in
giving her a list of options
that he is sure she has not
thought of on her own

how long she must wait
before she can remarry

to lecture her about
what he feels is right for
her child
who he has not seen
for four years

she listens
and for the first time
she tells him
she can't listen to him anymore