Dreams of My Father

I read this at "Apollo Night" at UNC-Chapel Hill Friday May 25

I used to dream at night.
When I closed my eyes I would
see him,
just standin there
like everything was alright
but to my surprise
when we locked eyes,
they weren't the same
when he called me daughter
somethin racked my brain
that wasn't my father
it couldnt be
what happened to that smile
that smile that let me know I could be me
what happened to that unconditional love
that helped me rise above
all the doubters who said
I wouldnt make it
that love that told me the world was mine
and all I had to do was take it
He called my name
but I didn't turn around this time
I walked out of his life
just like he walked out of mine