the other parent

the other parent
is not here so we can talk about them
their faults, their foibles, their awkwardness
how they love you in their own flawed way,
how I love you in my own flawed way,
how awkward I can be repeating myself
over and over and you've heard it
all before but I am not the other parent
right now, I am the only parent
when I hold you in my arms
and kiss your forehead as if
you were still my little
girl.