Daddy, How Could You?

Daddy, how could you? Mommy, tell me why. I'll hold you in my arms, I'll let you cry. Daddy wont touch me. He'll just yell and scream. Don't worry, Mommy, your safe with me.

Time were always hard, when Dad was around. I realize now he hit you; when I saw you on the ground. Mother, I'm sorry it all came out on you. If I could change it, I wish I took some of your pain too.

But I was always in a corner, just screaming for you. I watched you cry, and you watched me too. Daddy never put the beer down, and he never spilled a drop. But you were always the one in pain, Dad made sure your screams stopped.

One eye was always black and both arms all bruised. You always shook when he was near, and relieved to hear the car go for a cruise. But when he came back and the engine died. You told me not to watch to leave to hide.

I'd always scamper off, except one time. I wouldn't let him touch you. So I clung to you like I knew his doing was a crime. He just grabbed my hair and told me "WATCH! Go sit in a chair!"

I tried to close my eyes. I couldn't bare the site. but Daddy just yelled "Open!" You screamed in fright. When Daddy's fist came down. I jumped from the chair I raced for my room. I race for the stairs.

I guess I made a mistake when I didn't leave like you said. Daddy came for me, you knew I would be dead. Despite the chair he hit you with or the belt that left welts. You came charging for me, that's when I knew what you felt.

Daddy kicked me hard, That I flew into the first stair. You screamed "NO!" Dad whipped around his eyes in flare. You charged at him. All for me. You yelled to me "Don't you see!"

I just had to watch I couldn't stop. Yours and his body both fell, my world Stopped.

All I know now is what I saw then. I'm no longer four; you can't keep me from the paper and pen. I now understand what happened, and Daddy you were wrong. I grew up better. I'm strong, just like Mom.