Do You, Papa?

Errands, he says.
Practice, he says.
Busy, he says.

Too busy for your little girl, papa?
Too busy to see her?
When you haven't seen her in a month?

I can't, he says.
Why not? she says.
Because, he says.

Too busy to care?
Too busy for your first-born?
Too busy for your illegitimate child?

Do you love me papa?

Why do you ask such silly questions, girl?

Because I'd like to know papa.
I'd like to know because you've never told me.

A hug once a year, papa.
That's all the love you've shown.
They try to tell me that it's your way
But I've seen the way that you look at them.

The way you look at your second and third.
Your real son and daughter.
The look of affection
I've never received from you
and I long for it every day.