Poetry by Vanessa Kershaw

I recently got in touch with my dad after 14 years. Everyone warned me not to get my hopes up but I took no notice and I expected him to be amazing. When I met him, I thought he was great but after about 2 weeks I realized that he wasn't interested in me at all. I have a little sister who he adores. I come second best to her all the time. I'm not jealous of her but I wish he wouldn't make it quite so obvious that he prefers her to me. it hurts me so much.

My grandad was diagnosed with prostate cancer a few months ago. He kept it a secret because he didn't want anyone to worry. I found out. I love my grandad to pieces, he's like a dad to me. He has aged so much in the past 6 months. I think he's really ill and I don't think he's got long left.