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SURPRISES
by S. Marie Hugo

Daddy, will you buy us a surprise?
he grinned walking out the door.
Two little freckled face
pigtailed daughters
wait anxiously for his return.

They trust his smile.

They always enjoyed watching him
fill his pipes with sweet smelling tobacco
and awaited patiently for his empty
cigar boxes to fill with girlish treasures.

He's home!
He's home!
They shriek, skipping to the door.

He never lets them down.

Chewing gum cigars go into
their smiling mouths
as the paper ring labels
surround their tiny fingers.

Soft subtle crowsfeet have
replaced the freckles.
Grey hair replaces the pigtails.
Chewing gum cigar bubbles no longer
fill the air with laughter and giggles.

Daddy's sudden departure was a grave surprise.
A surprise that has replaced his daughters'
smiles with silent prayer.

1999 S. Marie Hugo