Midnight Orchids

I see you now, Dad —
not just the man,
but the Soul beneath the silent struggle.

The Strength you wore like armour,
the Shadows you bore like a well-fitted suit,
the Ache you never named —
I carry them with gentleness,
not the weight.

I understand now.
You were surviving storms
in a world that did not know
how to protect you —
raising a daughter
through eyes of grey,
with a heart finding its way
through a fog.

You were hurting —
quietly,
deeply,
with dignity.
I wish you knew then
What I know now.

But Dad… it’s okay
Your strength lives in me,
I am setting down the suffering
Which I was meant to carry
to understand you.

Now
I am healing for both of us.

Every tear I cry
is the softness you never had permission to feel.
Every step forward
is a freedom you were denied.
And every breath I take
to call this out loud
is a mantra to your name.

I need you to know:
I see you.
I understand your suffering now.

Standing in a storm.
Alone.
Battered.

You never broke.

I honour your silent courage.
And I hold your Name
in Light.