I Still Call You Dad

They say you held me once or twice,

Before you slipped into the skies.

I don’t remember the sound of your voice,

But your name is something I never lost.

Photos fade and stories dim,

But I still search for you in him—

In every man who shows up strong,

I wonder what it’s like to belong…

So this Father’s Day, I close my eyes,

And whisper to the empty sky.

Though you’re not here to see the man I am,

I hope you’d be proud, I hope you’d understand.

There’s a space that no one else could ever have—

And I still call you Dad.

I’ve heard you laughed like I do now,

And had that stubborn, thoughtful brow.

They say your hands were rough and kind,

And your heart was a rare kind to find.

I don’t need a tie or card to send—

Just a quiet moment now and then.

To tell you how I’ve tried to live,

With every ounce of strength you’d give…

So this Father’s Day, I raise my head,

And speak to you in prayers unsaid.

Though I never got to walk hand in hand,

I’ve walked this life the best I can.

There’s a place inside that time can’t ever grab—

And I still call you Dad.

And maybe one day we’ll meet again,

Beyond the stars, beyond the end.

But ‘til that day, I’ll hold you close—

In every tear, in every toast.

So this Father’s Day, I let you know,

I love you more than I could ever show.

Though I never had the chance to hear your laugh,

Your love still echoes in my path.

I carry you in every dream I’ve ever had—

And I still call you Dad.