Terrell K. Mercer

At times lost in my own reflections can be time well spent
Memeories how on from day one i looked at you in pure wonderment
I never knew innocent conversations of every day life and thoughts could bring one peace
But it feels like time would come to a crawl when you'd speak
When you part your lips to share your insight I'd feel it to my core
A tingling sensation had me clinging to every word...my ears and mind yearning to consume more
I've tried to deny the bewitching of your eyes because I know its not intentional
Yet something about you speaking in certainy makes me think it could be slightly subliminal
Its like every pause and every breath you take, something monumental is about to happen
Like the way your lips curve when you say certain words I think im supposed to give the proper responsive action
But i digress and continue to listen attentively
You share not in intimacy but its into thee I see
That sparkle in your eyes when discussing things makes the joy of the content apparent
You speak with enthusiasm and I'm honored to be the audience in which you choose to share it
You converse with a cadence that causes my eyes to watch you mouth specific words
Admiring the way your cheeks rise as you put emphasis on certain adverbs
My internal reaction to this action I contain in pure elation
Time alone in my mind reflecting yet waiting for our next conversation
image by AI poem "Im Listening," by Terrell K. Mercer

I am so honored to be partaking in this event. If you or someone you know in the 757 please register and attend this FREE event. We will be discussing the beautiful bonds between daughters and fathers.

Fatherhood matters — not just for daughters, but for men too.

Join us for Fathering Daughters, a two-day experience designed to strengthen bonds, heal wounds, and build legacy.

📅 March 20–21, 2026
🕊 Friday Kick-Off Service | 7 PM
📍 United Family Worship Center (UFWC), Hampton
👨🏽‍👩‍👧‍👦Open to the public
🗣 Saturday Conference | 9 AM–2 PM
📍 Calvary Community Church (C3 Hampton)
👨‍👧 For fathers & daughters ages 12+

🔗 Register now at fb2b2023.com

In you're in the 757 join us

Calling all writers, poets, and musicians! Want to test material in front of an audience? Come out to this free open mic event hosted by poet Nathan Richardson. Not a writer? Read a poem or passage, or cover a song that means something to you! We'll also provide FREE PIZZA!

Free! No registration required!

15 years ago, this time of year. I was driving 5 hours, rain, sleet or snow to be by my father side. Due to him being in a medicated coma, he wasn't even aware of my presence during my trips. That was until the day he was awakened and we had the conversation that the child inside of me longed to hear. Yet, the adult me didn't want to hear it. In the midst of me seeing him in the state he was in, I forgot the pain. I forgot the neglect. I forgot the broken promises. I forgot the feeling of just wanting him to be there. He was close to being an enigma because while being my father I knew little of the man he was. He didn't even realize I was the one in the room with him when he opened his eyes. I will never forget hearing, "I THOUGHT YOU WERE MY SON." "I SO WISH HE WAS HERE. I HAVE SO MUCH TO SAY." I told him several times, fighting back tears, that it was me. He began to tell me how he regret missing out on his sons (me) life. He then began to cry and tell me he was sorry. He told me he loved me. I never doubted his love for me but I dont think he knew how to properly love me. Or maybe he was afraid to love me because it would allow someone to see him fully. Or maybe he felt incapable of a covering love because the love he was raised on didn't encompass that. Either way, here we were at the moment in time where our last words would truly be our last words. This is an experience I wish on no one. Nothing or no one should stop you from loving your child properly and healthy to where they grow up wearing a robe of rejection because your absence made them feel unwanted. Dont let your death bed be the place where you get it off your chest.

Depression will have you in a chokehold while people will develop the worst things to believe. They will feel you're giving others the silent treatment when you're simply struggling to exist and breathe.

I never asked for much, only for you to love you and of all shackles to be free. Abandoned my own desires for myself, only for you to abandon me.

You wanted to put me on a pedestal but I told you I wasn't worthy of being so close to the sun. I shared with you a few of my flaws and you showed me how fast you could run.

Some are holding in so many "family secrets," I'm surprised you have yet to explode. Thinking you're protecting your family but you're only setting some up for greater struggles down the road.