“You Used To” is a poignant reflection on the enduring pain of loss. With raw and heart-wrenching simplicity, David Ritter captures the bittersweet memories of a parent’s love. Through vivid imagery and emotional honesty, the poem evokes a deep sense of longing and sorrow as the speaker grapples with the absence of their child.
You Used To
You used to call me “Mommy”
I used to hold you tight
I used to hug and kiss you
As I tucked you in at night
You used to call me “Daddy”
Whenever I entered the door
I used to tickle your tummy
As we played on the floor
You used to write, “To Mommy”
On colored pictures I displayed
You used to repeat the words
To each prayer that we prayed
You used to say, “More, Daddy”
While bouncing on my knee
You used to giggle loud
That filled my heart with glee
You used to sing with Mommy
As Mommy prepared a meal
You used to bring me boo-boos
That only Mommy’s kisses healed
You used to cry for Daddy
When the boogieman was near
You used to know in Daddy’s arms
There was never any fear
We cried the day you left us
We cried again today
It seems at times that’s all we’ve done
Since that day you went away
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