Papa

I see your shadow patrolling the house I see your eyes glaring at me With anger and disgust I see your lips move Hurling insults and abuse I see your anger stirring Waiting to thrust It strikes me hard, I am taken aback Years of this, I should have been numb. But how do you get used to it? How do you stop? A strike that goes straight to one’s heart. Papa, did you ever love me through my years? Did I embody all of your fears? When on my wedding day, you gave me away I looked at you for a moment. Then, a tear fell at the corner of your eye, To my new husband you said, `I give you my child. Care for her, Care for her better than I have….’