My dad has gone away
I really wish he stayed
I miss him so much
I want to feel his touch
He's away in Iraq
I really want him back
I know he's not leaving base
But I still want to see his face
He's always on my mind
I can't put it behind
Sometimes we get mad
But it doesn't stay that bad
I wanted him to watch me run
It would have been lots of fun
He's gone to Bagdad
It was really sad
He left before he saw
All the leaves fall
I wish he was here
If he was I'd shed a tear
I love him so much
I want to feel his touch
~Gone by Madison Macaulay
Madison's dad is in Iraq with the U.S. Army Corp of Engineers. This will be the second Christmas without seeing her Dad (when she was 1 he was out to sea). Even though he lives in South Carolina and she doesn't see him very often anyway, him being in Iraq is obviously scary. This poem is a result of an assignment for her honors English class, and will be submitted to the Scholastic Art & Writing Awards.
Madison puts her all into everything she does, whether it be running cross-country, playing piano, or school work. Just the other day she wanted to know if there was a soup kitchen nearby as she wanted to go work in it, she has requested an international pen pal for Christmas, and she wants to learn how to make pottery. She has had paintings exhibited at the local gallery, won awards in cross-country running, and now can add writing to her many talents. We are all very proud of Madison, and will do our best to keep her busy and happy while her dad is gone. 
