Dear Dad: Words From Your ExMormon Daughter

This poem was originally posted on Reddit.

Maybe one day you’ll be with your family

instead of family history.

Maybe one day you’ll step into our home

instead of a temple.

Maybe one day you’ll take me for lunch

instead of the sacrament.

Maybe one day you’ll buy mom something sweet

instead of paying tithing.

Maybe one day you’ll confide in me

instead of your bishop.

Maybe one day you’ll be my dad

instead of a priesthood holder.

Maybe one day you’ll look to your family

instead of your scriptures.

Maybe one day you’ll see my mom as an ally

instead of a trial.

Maybe one day you’ll be you again

instead of this weird version.

Maybe one day you’ll realize that

your eternity in the celestial kingdom

will be my hell.

Zina Jacobs-Smith-Young

Zina Jacobs-Smith-Young would have been a millennial blogger, but she died in 1901. The wife of Brigham Young, and prior to that Joseph Smith, and prior to that Henry Jacobs, who was sent on a mission by Brigham before he married her, Zina loves writing, long walks on the beach, and playing the field.