I do not remember my father’s voice 
but I know his breath smelled like whiskey
as he leaned down to say good night.
That’s when I learned to pretend to be asleep 
which led to real sleep 
and dreams of my parents dressed up.
My Dad smelling of Old Spice
Mom of powder and lipstick.
The most beautiful woman in the world
with a man who never knew how lucky he was

Robin J. Phillips, August 21, 2021