She wishes he left a long time ago.

But it feels impossible.

Too expensive to survive alone even if already alone physically.

Caregiver already a full time job.

Tied to him by her purse strings and nothing more.

Why is it my problem?

***

The daughter wishes that he left.

Spared from years of yelling and onslaught.

An undervalued addition and statistic.

Never quite cared for like the other daughter.

Although just outwardly.

Why is it my problem?

***

Extended family wishes he left long ago.

Whispers behind closed doors.

Another horror story heard.

Help offered but never quite leading anywhere.

Never quite puncturing the bubble with him in the middle.

Why is it my problem?

***

I wish he left long ago.

Resentment a trait I never wanted to be a part of me.

Wishing to return to a place of pure protected ignorance.

A time when I could still believe I had a father.

Why is it my problem?

Because I see it all.