Not Daddy's Little Girl (Poetry)

I’m not my daddy’s little girl
I’m not his pride and joy
I don’t know why — it just might be
because I’m not a boy.

He doesn’t smile or eyes light up
when I walk in the room
no sentimental blush of pride
betrays him — he’s immune

to every gesture — kind or sweet
there’s nothing I can do
to generate the love I know
is missing. There’s a clue

why I can’t be his little girl
close ties misunderstood
dark secrets in our family
pose doubt we’re flesh and blood.