Our first conversation was at age twelve

Gifts I perceived to be from Santa’s elves

A Motorola

Pink and new

But the only gift I truly wanted

Was to know you

 

Your absence still lingers in most of my days

And one phone call

Does not excuse your cowardly ways

 

But my existence did not stop you, no

You created more life

Instead of helping me grow

 

A little brother, I long to meet

The same blood running through my veins

 

And your sister, who once knew me

I wonder why she never told you to pursue me

 

I often think what it would have been like

To be raised by you

To eat with you

To live with you

 

But instead

You are just a strange man

With a strange name

Printed on my birth certificate

 

I know you are well

Your social media says so

Flashy pics of your home

I thought for sure you’d want to know me

My mother gave me hope

 

But 22 years later

 

All I have from you is my last name

And my skin tone