Daddy’s Boots (Children)

Daddy left his boots for me and here I have to stay ‘cause Daddy is a soldier, I’m in charge while he’s away. In Daddy’s boots I can pretend that now I am the man who does the things that Daddy does as only Daddy can. I help with little brother, I help with folding clothes, I help to set the table, and I hope Daddy knows that every day I wear his boots so I’ll feel close to him and I try to keep Mom happy till he comes home again. I know that he’s protecting us. That’s what soldiers do, but his boots are way too big for me and my job, being him, is too. Mom, when is Daddy coming home? I miss him all the time. She said Daddy would be proud of me and his boots... fit me just fine. (For my grandson, Will Jr., with love. His daddy is in Iraq)