The Call that Can't Be Made

A poem about Father's Day for people whose fathers have already passed on.

The plans include ice cream and cake
There'll be a gift or two
Long distance phone calls for
Those separated will do

A strong male voice will say hello
The call interrupting his work or nap
Young voices say Happy Father's Day
A smile appears under his cap.

The day will pass for a few
With only memories of younger days
They'll stay subconsciously aware
of a call that can't be made.

There'll be a forgetful thought
of dialing a number to say
Happy Father's Day to a man
in a call that can't be made.