A Hurting Heart
You were the first man to ever break my heart.
When you were supposed to pick me up and dust me off,
hold me close when I was falling apart.
Instead I had to learn to stand alone.
That I don't need a dad at three years old.
Promises made you didn't keep.
My heart in your pocket as you're drowning in drink.
I told myself you'd never hurt me again,
but the little girl inside still cries for the man you've never been.
This is her hope for the helpless.
She should have grown whole,
but she grew broken.
Only wanting to be wanted.
Can't you hear her cry, Daddy?
Staring from my eyes,
she's lost a light inside,
but has a hope beyond hope that never dies.
Here I am.
Here you are.
Too little, too late.
I can't reach that far.
Empty bottles are piled up.
I want so much,
but it's not enough.
Can't you hear me cry, Daddy?
Won't you prove me wrong?
I'll forgive you for all these years you've been gone.
"Baby, what's wrong? I hate to see you crying."
But you don't wipe away my tears
or chase away my fears.
You're the giver of broken promises that I've held for all these years.
I can't put them back together.
I can't make it right.
That's your job,
but YOU have to try.
Can't you hear me crying, Daddy?
#poem
