This poem was written more than thirty-four years ago, but the words and feelings behind them remain relevant to children whose parents are divorced and who only see their fathers on a part-time basis.

I NEVER KNEW YOU

Just because I’m not with you,

Does not mean I’m not here.

Just because I am a child,

Does not mean you can forget me.

I’ve got a right to know what you are doing,

I’ve got a right to expect to be loved by you.

I want to be part of your life,

I want to be needed by you.

But you will never need me,You  are too self-contained.

Just because I’m not with you,

Just because I cannot share your life,

Does not mean I don’t love you,

Does not mean I don’t need you.

Sometimes I watch a father and a child,

Laughing together,

At something only they can see.

We will never be able to share that kind of feeling,

Because I don’t know you and you don’t know me.

And it’s too late now to understand each other,

Because when we meet,

We are strangers -and yet- you gave me life.

“The Sovereign Lord will wipe away the tears from all faces”
Isaiah 25:8

Extract from  “God’s Promise for Families”