Family Poem by Teens

Poem About Growing Up Without A Father

Do you know what it's like to grow up without a father. Perhaps you would understand this little girl's words.
By Emma Sims Age:12

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I'm 13 years old. I have a dad, but I want him to be with me. We talk on the phone and we say we love each other. But I want him here in my life. I want him to be on my side when my mom...

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Daddy's Little Girl

©

Published by Family Friend Poems July 2006 with permission of the Author.

I wish, I wish I was daddy's little girl,
I would have a dance with him; into his arms I'd twirl.
I would have someone to hold me close when I get too scared,
Instead I have to dream about it with my best friend Brittany Baird.

It's so hard to talk about it,
Why can't it just be true?
Why did you have to leave me?
Please come back, can't I talk to you?

But none of this will happen,
As I sit here and I cry.
No daddy to share my feelings with,
Why me, God, why?

I'm so glad that mama's here,
As she tickles me to the ground.
But now she's all I've got,
Since you're never around.

My mother's always there for me,
And helps me when I need it.
You weren't there when I needed you most,
Not even a little bit.

I think of all my other friends,
Who have their dads by their sides.
It makes me so mad,
That I just want to run and hide.

Why, why did you have to leave me?
I think as I sit in my bed.
All of these terrible thoughts of you
Are tearing through my head.

Sometimes it gets too painful,
As if I'm going to die.
Instead I sit perched on my bed,
Trying not to cry.

I'm trying to forget it now,
I'm trying really hard.
But in my mind I can't forget,
My heart is far too scarred.

God, why do you hate me?
Did I do something wrong?
Why must you keep this pain in me,
For so very long?

Daddy,
It's not really how it sounds.
It's like I'm a lonely dog
Being taken to the pound.

Couldn't you just suck it up
And try to work it through?
I just want to hear those words from you
That say "I love you."

But none of that is really true,
I hate the way I think of you.
A terrible coldhearted man,
I wish that you could understand.

As I write this poem
I can't help, it I just tear.
I wonder what it would be like
If you would just be here.

Couldn't you try and love me?
Let's give it a whirl.
Wouldn't it be nice if I could be
Daddy's little girl?

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Has this poem touched you? Share your story!
  • Savannah G. Powers by Savannah G. Powers
  • 5 years ago

I can relate to this poem all too well. My dad left me when I was 3. He has been in and out of jail for most of my life because of drugs. He says he's sorry and that he'll change, but it never happens. He always goes back to the way he was, and to be honest, I'm getting sick and tired of his lies. If he really loved me, he wouldn't have left me. I'm 14 years old now and have fallen for his lies and broken promises too many times. It's to the point where I'm afraid to trust anyone because I'm afraid of being hurt again. Im afraid of being left behind in the dust, left to pick up the broken pieces of my heart and soul. He has made me into a broken husk of what used to be a vibrant little girl. But I'm not so little anymore. I'm not so young and innocent as I was. Instead I'm broken and quiet. I'm a bird with broken wings. I'm stuck on the ground with no one to help me heal and fly. I'm a husk of the girl he once knew.

  • McKenna by McKenna
  • 5 years ago

My father left before I was born, so it was just my mother and me. We were all each other needed, but she married and had a child with my stepfather. I was always momma's girl. My stepfather and I can't get along. We constantly bicker and it makes me not even want to be here anymore. I'm 13 now and he's been with us for almost 4 years. I just feel like I wasn't meant to have a dad. That's why I don't have one and that's why I can't get along with my stepdad. This poem is more real than I thought. The part that sucks is that he has other kids, whom he actually knows or cares about.

  • Emma Green by Emma Green
  • 6 years ago

I don't remember my father. He was never around. He left when I was two. My mother gave me and my sister a comfortable life, but she was emotionally and physically abusive towards me since I can remember. I wonder if I had a father would things be different?

  • Kodiri Islamiat Temilade by Kodiri Islamiat Temilade
  • 6 years ago

In some hours to come it will be my birthday. I will be 21, but I am not a bit happy. I have never been happy. From the time my mom was pregnant, everyone was against her because of me, even her family. She was forced to marry another man after being raped by my unknown father. I brought suffering upon my loving mother who is going through hard times in her home because of me. I really want to see my father before I die. Being fatherless is disheartening to me. I have never felt enough love because I wasn't allowed to live with my mother. I have been wandering this life all alone. I wish I wasn't born into this world.

  • Mili by Mili
  • 6 years ago

I read this poem when I was a young student. It was given to me by my director to recite on the stage. Now after 6 years, I still think about this poem. I read it out loud now just the same as I did then, and now the result is a bucket full of tears...

  • Lillyana Sanchez by Lillyana Sanchez
  • 7 years ago

I'm 13 years old. I have a dad, but I want him to be with me. We talk on the phone and we say we love each other. But I want him here in my life. I want him to be on my side when my mom doesn't understand. I want him there when I need someone to cry to or talk to. I see all these movies with dads, and it makes me cry because I miss my dad. My dad was in prison and he is trying to not go back into the drug game. But if he gets caught by the cops one more time he goes in for life. I just want a normal dad who holds me. I don't want to go in my room and cry saying I want daddy. You know? I just want him to visit me and take me to daddy/daughter dances. I want him to be there at parent teacher conference. My mom, I love her, but I'm one out of 5, going to be 6 kids. She has a lot on her plate. I just need someone to love me. I'm such a daddy's girl. But I just need my daddy.

  • Sarah My Little Pony by Sarah My Little Pony
  • 7 years ago

This reminds me a lot of me. I have always wanted to be my daddy's girl, but I never will be.

  • Cheila Manga by Cheila Manga
  • 7 years ago

My father abandoned me when I was born. My mother had to leave me with my grandmother to travel and look for a job. She didn't come home for 3 years. When she came back, she came with a man who asked for her hand in marriage. That man took very good care of us. He gave us everything. One day I was walking by the road, I saw my biological father. He looked at me but he didn't know who I was. I walked and stood in front of him. He looked at me and said, "Sorry, do I know you?" I dropped a tear and said, "I'm Cheila Manga, the little girl you abandoned the same day she was born, 16 years back." He just said, "Oooh, my daughter, you've grown so big and beautiful like your mother. By the way, how is she?" I said she's happily married. He asked for my number, but he never used that number to call me. I also took his number up. To today I sometimes call him to know how my brothers are doing. I know God will wipe my tears and restore my happiness by allowing me to meet my brothers one day, even if it's for a minute. CheilaManga.

  • Victoria Malone by Victoria Malone
  • 8 years ago

My dad left me when I was a baby and I am now 13 but I did not have my mom either. The state got me when I was 4 because my mom was a drug addict so I live with my adopted parents now I really love them and my adopted little sister but still no dad really hurts. I still talk to my mom everyday.

  • Penelope by Penelope
  • 8 years ago

I know the feeling you have. My mom was and still is a drug addict. I haven't seen her in 4 years. My dad never knew he had a kid with my mom and still doesn't know.

  • Palesa by Palesa
  • 8 years ago

I did not grow up with my dad at all. My mom has always been and still is strong. She is a single parent and she plays the role of being a mother and a father at the same time to me. I love her so much and I am truly trying not to think of the fact that Why did my father leave me with my mom? I know he is still alive but he does not have responsibilities even to his own children. My mummy is a strong and special person to me. I love her more than everyone in this whole world.

  • Ivy Rose Wood by Ivy Rose Wood, Hartville Mo
  • 9 years ago

This poem brought me to tears. It reminded me of everything my "dad" did. My mom remarried and in May he left. Now i live with my ''dad".

  • Brittany Romero by Brittany Romero, North Carolina , Charlotte
  • 9 years ago

My dad is still in my life .. My mom had 3 kids with him .. My oldest sister who is 20 now, my older brother who is 16 now, & me & I'm 13 .. But the difference is my older siblings grew up with him .. I didn't, by the time I was born my dad was already cheating and had already had a baby with another women .. I've suffered my whole life with this pain & still am. I try not to think about it but it hurts so much .. No one knows how I just lock myself in my room & cry my eyes out cause I love my dad so much, but me & my siblings will always be his second choice .. He chooses our step mom & my half sisters instead ( he had 3 other daughters ). We have to visit him on the weekend's, court ordered, but he's never even home .. & every time my brother & I go, my half sisters have new things. The only time we get new things is our birthday or christmas.. My mother has struggled so much making sure we're growing up healthy .. She is my world . I just wish my dad knew how much pain he's put me through.

  • Vivi Indio California by Vivi Indio California
  • 9 years ago

I have a lot of fatherly figures in my life, but for some reason there's still a big gap in my heart yearning for my father. It seems like the harder I try to reach out for him he ends up pushing me away farther and farther till it feels like I'm falling off of a cliff into a deep abyss of hurt and pain. I always thought I was the problem like I wasn't perfect enough for him but as time passed my mother helped me realize it's okay because someday he'll need me but I won't be there because he pushed me away. But sometimes it still hurts when my friends talk about their father with pride, love, and happiness because I feel left out but then I remember my moms words my pain eases a little.

  • Molly by Molly
  • 9 years ago

My dad wasn't there. I know him but I don't. He forgot my birthday. Moved and changed his number and didn't bother to tell me. He left me alone and gave the others all his attention. Dad you haven't been here for me when I've needed you most. When I tried something stupid. When mom was drunk. When I fell. When I failed. When I was born. You weren't there. I wish you would've been but you haven't been. I guess this is my last story about you. I'm tired of crying because of you.

  • Kamiah by Kamiah
  • 9 years ago

I can totally relate to this poem. My Dad walked out on me and my family when I was 12 (last year now I'm 13). My Mom and Dad were always arguing with each other and my Dad would always leave and go out. He was never there and when my friends at school would talk about what they did with their Dad's (like Daddy daughter time or he helped them with something) I wanted to cry but I held it in. Then the church that I attend decided to have a daddy/daughter dance. Everyone went because their dad attended the church and said yes except me. They didn't notice that I didn't go and the following year made the joke 'Oh and if you don't have a dad you can't rent one!', they didn't mean any harm because I was the shy one and never said or participated in their little activities that they did. Even though my dad was never there I always had my Mom who cared so much and worked so hard (she still in college and has a part-time job) and is doing everything she can to keep me and my three sisters happy.

  • L Riley by L Riley, Usa
  • 9 years ago

My dad left me and now he is living with another family. He's been like this for two to three years and my mom is my whole life. I waited for my dad to come home everyday but he never came back so I gave up on him. I loved him but now I don't. I gave him a chance and he denied it. He was my life, like my mom is, but now he's nothing. Now he is with another girl and that makes me upset but I can't stop him. He gets everything for my brother and just leaves me hanging. He shows no love for me but he says he loves me. He says he cares about me but he doesn't show it, and the sad thing is I don't call him dad anymore I call him sir.

  • Nichia L. by Nichia L.
  • 10 years ago

My parents have been divorced for 9 or 10 years now. I know how it feels it grow without a earthly dad. I had and have to live without a earthly dad, since I was young. Your poem just perfectly described my thoughts about my dad. I used to be jealous and sad when I saw other people my age and kids with their dads, because I never knew what it was like to have a dad. I used to be mad at God, because I thought He didn't care just like my dad, when he kind of left us. I was very wrong, about that. Because God did care and still does. He cares for you and me. God has always been and will always be the father to the fatherless. And God is a perfect Dada. He is always there for us; always faithful to us. He loves you and me. Know that He's always there for you and me, because He is.

Thank you for sharing your beautiful poem. You have such a talent and greatness in you; and I hope you know that, because you do. Thank you again.

  • Drew by Drew, Texas
  • 10 years ago

This poem speaks to me so much! My dad left when I was 8. He came around once in a while but all I did was cry. After that he just left. I never once heard I love you. He'd call or show up but only when I was in trouble. He has a new wife and kids. They mean more than me and my sister. We are just his old life. All I want to hear everyday is that daddy loves me. I'm jealous of the girls who hear that all the time. I think I wish on every birthday. That my dad will show up and say he loves me.

  • Alanis Marcela by Alanis Marcela
  • 11 years ago

I've been through the same thing. It really hurts I know. I was 5 when my dad left, now I'm 13. Now it has been 8 years. I really miss him, but now I have the best step dad ever! Even if he left me too. I wouldn't mind because in this past 8 years I've learn that someone is always with me. That someone is God. He is always with me no matter if my mom, my step dad, or my whole family left me. I wouldn't mind. It would hurt because we're all humans but I know I'm not going to be alone. The same applies to all of you. I also learned that if my dad left it was for a purpose. If he hadn't, I think I wouldn't have God in my life or the awesome step dad that I have. Remember everything happens for a reason. :)

  • Alexis Cole Tx. by Alexis Cole Tx.
  • 12 years ago

I really like this story and I think it really fits me because I never really see my dad and I feel like he doesn't care nor want to see me and he can't say he doesn't want kids or have the time because I see him post on Facebook saying he is spending time with his other family. I think he doesn't think I will see it but I do and it really upsets me!!:(

  • Chris by Chris, USA
  • 12 years ago

To All of you wonderful precious young ladies, my heart ache's to no end to see your words and try to know your pain. I am a father of 4 young girls and try to be a strong father in everyway and still fail daily. I came across this poem and was very moved by all of your stories and wish with every fiber of my being I could help or somehow take your pain from your hearts. My father was in and out of the life of my sister and I over the years and I did see first hand how much he broke her heart and sadly to this day even after his death she still struggles with him not being a part of her life. Sadly when a man and woman separate or divorce it is always the children who suffer the most.

Please hang on to your mothers love and I pray that God will somehow remove this unthinkable pain from your hearts and know regardless of the current situation your in that in no way is any of this your fault and you are here on this earth for a reason and God has a plan for you to succeed in everything you do. You are all perfect beautiful young ladies inside and out. We can not control what people can do but only how we will react .

With Love, May God bless you all!

  • Dj by Dj
  • 12 years ago

This poem touched me cause my dad left when I was born because I was a girl and I never heard those words I love you from him and it would be nice for him to be here instead of making me cry everynight.

  • P.A by P.A, London
  • 12 years ago

Wow. that's exactly the same as me. I'm 14. apart from he didn't walk out on me, I left him, for the best. but he's done nothing to try and get me back, it's been 2 years now, and I know he isn't gonna be a part of my life again, it's been years since he told me them 3 words, but I got my mum, I don't know what I'd do without her, really good poem xx

  • Lakyn by Lakyn
  • 12 years ago

My father died April 1, 2012 of lung cancer, I loved him we weren't the closest but I loved him a lot and I cry myself to sleep everyday, I'm 13 my dad wasn't like the dad all my friends had, but he was my dad I love him. I cried and cried while watching him take his last breaths :(

  • Shantasia Dunan by Shantasia Dunan
  • 12 years ago

I can say that these writings made me cry but I have never known my real dad. I've never seen him don't know his name or anything but when I was 8 I started going to church with a man that invited me . He has became the bigger influence in my life. I love him to death. When I feel like all the time no one loves me or anything I can run to him. I always pictured having a dad growing up and I got tired of being the only child in my family without a dad. After this man stepped into my life everything changed for me everything !!! I can't picture hurting him or anything because I love him so much and he loves me !!!!!!!!!!! I'm blessed just like the many of you !!:)

  • Adriana by Adriana, Longbeach
  • 13 years ago

My dad hasn't been around after 17 years. I found him he comes in my life and I feel like he's playing me he has a fiancé who has a daughter 13 and he sees her more then me. It hurts. His girlfriend lives ten minutes away from me. He sees her and doesn't see me. Why do people do that neglect their daughters but is willing to take care of other peoples kids. It hurts each day.

  • Sister Lydia by Sister Lydia
  • 13 years ago

Why do men keep hurting their children? I teach children and there are so many angry ones that I am scared of what would happen to the world and to fathers, especially, if they began to act out their feelings. Once one has a child, Life is about the child, not oneself anymore!

  • No Father by No Father
  • 13 years ago

I can really relate to this poem!! I am 11 years old fixing to be 12 this December. He had used my mother, he told my mother he "loved her" he didn't he just wanted sex. Once my mom had gotten pregnant he was done with her. He didn't want anything to do with her. I do not have a mother either, she got on drugs and abandoned all her children. But she got with this guy and they were together for 5 years and he was amazing! They broke up but he is my "DAD" he means everything to me! I do say he is my full blooded father.

  • Tumie by Tumie, Botswana
  • 13 years ago

Since I grew up my father has been away from us, he never played the roles as a father. My mum is the only person who raise me till she died on 2003, after that I decided to look for him from the places my mum told me where I can find him but I failed because he took transfer. Later on when I went to senior school (college) I met someone who knows him , he gave me his contact but when I called him he told me that he don't know me and all his kids are with him at his house no one is missing. So that was the end of my communication with him. Sometimes I feel mad seeing kids with their parents.

  • Gloria by Gloria
  • 13 years ago

I am so touched about this Daddy's little girls poem, it reminds me of my daughter. I got separated from her father because he was not interested in taking his responsibility as a father, funny he had another child that is being able to enjoy having a dad but mine doesn't, but I said to GOD please father my child as she is fatherless so this has made me cry so much, when I thought of the way this man is treating my child. Please guys help me pray and I know by the grace of GOD my daughter will be fine she is only 11 years old.

  • Sharone Holton by Sharone Holton
  • 13 years ago

Your story was very touching, my dear that was me you were talking about, My dad was never around even though my mom had 6 kids from him we never saw much of him. I married a man early in life looking for a father figure, so don't make that mistake keep God first. My dad is deceased now, my brothers and sisters did get to talk and see him before his passing. But never got to really know him as a Dad. So with that said keep your head high, keep God first and your spirits up my dear. Best of everything to you.

  • Eahoue by Eahoue, Detroit
  • 13 years ago

I suffered most of my life, having no earthly father and mother and even family to love or look after me.
If you believe in God, believe that God did not do this thing and that The Father loves you.
He is a Great Daddy to me and has healed me of my hurts that *hurting people* caused me. Surely, Satan did this thing through your father's weaknesses and ignorance.
Be patient and let go; for if you hang on to this feelings you will *look in the wrong* places for this whole in your life.
Look to God, who is working all things out for your good and has given all free-will to choose. Many do not have a mother, choose to be happy for you are blessed....

  • Taralynn by Taralynn, Albany
  • 13 years ago

I love this! I could really feel the emotion in it. I live with my dad, but not my mom, so I can kind of relate to this poem. Great job. Keep writing!

  • Antonia Rigby by Antonia Rigby
  • 13 years ago

I was deeply touched by this. Your only 12 and yet that's how you feel about you father even if you don't mean to. I get shocked on how many men walk out on there children. Like you My dad left when I was 2 weeks old I never saw much of him. He'd come and go in my life leaving me lost and confused. So I know how you feel try keep your sprits high my lovely. best wishes xx

  • Kayla by Kayla
  • 13 years ago

I know how this feels but everyone feels different with it. See my dad was in my life but he did terrible things and it made me feel lost he isn't in my life anymore but I do want to be daddy's little girl. The real way not the sick way. I cry all the time I wonder why he has to hate me and everything. It sickens me and those terrible, not fair, etc. God dear I..I want to be daddy's little girl too.

  • Isabel by Isabel, Texas
  • 13 years ago

I also relate to this poem. Except, I was abandoned by both of my parents. And have been living with my grandma (aka mom) since I was born. I'm 16 fixing to turn 17 and the abandonment still hurts even though I have my grandma(mom) with me. This poem made me think about if things would be different if my mom and dad would've kept me.

  • Leah by Leah, Monterey
  • 14 years ago

This is really touching because my father was divorced from my mom when I was four. But he was still around 'till my mom kicked him out for beating my brother. I haven't seen him in three years. Last time I did he acted like I was some distant relative. He makes up lies when I call, saying that his phone broke and that's why he doesn't call on my birthday or any other day at all. He won't even tell me what country he lives in. I only see him if we are both visiting my grandma and that's not very often. My sister believes he's kind, but the rest of the family knows he's cold hearted.....But sometimes I remember those not so bad times when I was his little girl.

  • Holli by Holli, Uk
  • 14 years ago

Hey this poem is how I feel everyday . Yet, I knew my father wasn't a father to me . It's ever since I was born my father stopped loving me . My mother would tell me how happy and proud he was to have a daughter, but hen the moment I was born he stopped as if I was the Devil . When you grow up it's going to be hard, but just stay strong. Xx

  • Cheryl by Cheryl, FL
  • 14 years ago

This poem really touched me. I haven't seen my father since I was a tot, some 35 years ago. I have had no contact whatsoever with this man, and he is seemingly hiding away somewhere because I cannot find him. I am experiencing things that make me think that had he been here, had he not abandoned me, my relationships with men may be healthier. A word to you, sweet poet: When it seems the pain is too great to bear, focus your attention on helping others. Its nourishment for the soul.

  • Anna by Anna, Magnetic Island
  • 14 years ago

I know exactly how you feel my mum and dad broke up when I was about 6 months old and I am now 14. He hasn't spoken to me since because he hates my mum. The worst is he has two other daughters who he actually has a relationship with. It sucks!

  • Aminata Deme by Aminata Deme
  • 15 years ago

I love this poem because I am shedding tears right now and I can't stop. This poem is also touching to me because me and my mom were abandoned by my father but my stepfather is like my blood father. We have so much in common. We like to sit and watch African movies, watch divorce court and laugh and also learn together. We both learn from each other. This poem is very touching.

  • lauren by lauren
  • 15 years ago

at twenty, I feel the same and I could relate to every line, every word

  • hannah by hannah
  • 15 years ago

this story has touched me deeply. as my father had walked out on me before I was born. it hurts me to a point that sometimes I don't know where I want to be. my mother is AH-MAZING a step dad who truly is the closest dad I have had in my life. it has been hard I am 14yrs old and my life has been hard without him but we got through it.
good luck
x

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