Sorry Daddy

Summary

The poem "Sorry Daddy" reflects a poignant and disturbing conversation between a neglected child and an absent, resentful father, underscoring the child's tragic realization of their unwanted existence.

Abstract

"Sorry Daddy" is a haunting poem that captures the heart-wrenching dialogue between a father and his child, where the child, aware of their father's indifference and desire for their nonexistence, grapples with feelings of abandonment and the burden of being an unwanted reminder of past mistakes. The child's innocence, expressed through their inability to fend for themselves and the literal and metaphorical weight of their needs, starkly contrasts with the father's cold detachment and regret over the child's birth. The poem concludes with the child's resignation to the father's wishes, hinting at a tragic resolution to their despair.

Opinions

The father exhibits a profound sense of regret and resentment towards the child, viewing them as a constant reminder of a past he wishes to forget.
The child, despite their helplessness and the father's rejection, shows a level of self-awareness and concern for the father's well-being, questioning their own existence and the impact on the father.
The poem conveys a strong critique of the father's irresponsibility and lack of parental love, highlighting the emotional neglect suffered by the child.
The child's consideration of ending their life to appease the father's desire for freedom from parental duties reflects a tragic and extreme consequence of emotional abandonment.
The author likely aims to evoke empathy for the child and provoke reflection on the responsibilities and consequences of parenthood.

Sorry Daddy

Abraham Offering Isaac by Caravaggio 1603 Uffizi Version

Disposable child, baby begotten Daddy mumbles to his feet, drunken Told you I don’t want you anymore All you do is remind me of what I should’ve done before

But my legs are too short to run away my memory too short to remain that way I sit, I say Where shall I go, what shall I do? With an overfilled diaper sticking me to the floor like glue

It doesn’t matter as long as you disappear Away from my face, my memory & my ear

But Daddy, Mommy’s dead & I’ve wet the bed Who will come when I need to be fed?

Should’ve thought about that before you were born Before you chose me as your parent to wrong

Sorry Daddy, should’ve known before I took form that you’d prefer me to be stillborn

You should’ve known, I’d prefer to be alone, me all mighty on my throne

Sorry Daddy, I’ll take my leave, I’ll take my life to give you reprieve I’ll let you be, sorry Daddy… never meant for you to hate me