Forever Daddy's Little Girl

Hey dad, I don't know if you've noticed
But we're not the way we used to be
I'm not a baby anymore
I've become the young woman you've hoped to see

I just wish that you could be around more often
And we could spend a little more time
I know it's not your fault
It's really me who committed the crime

My teenage years have been so rough
Without you or mom ever supporting what I do
From mock trial to basketball
You were never involved with my life in school

But I'm your daughter
And I've learned to survive
You have taught me countless things
You've seen how hard I try

But daddy, I miss how everything once was
From your comforting hugs
To the piggyback rides
And your speeches about drugs

I miss how you would tightly squeeze my hand
Whenever we crossed a street
But as I grew older
From your hand, I started to retreat

I remember when you had two jobs
Because we needed to pay more bills
I told you to stop giving me my allowance
I saw you shiver, you had a chill

I remember when soccer was my favorite sport
You immediately bought me cleats
We practiced outside on our small lawn
And I would always cheat

I miss eating dinner with you every night
Waiting for you to come home
After I finished elementary school
We both ate dinner alone

I remember every "congratulations"
When I came home with a trophy in hand
And when I didn't
You said the tournament was a stupid scam

And how could I forget the day of my promotion
I was dressed up and made up like a doll
I could see the tears forming in your eyes
I almost thought you were going to fall

Dad, you have no idea how much it hurts me
To know that I've caused you a lot of pain
And not listening to your wisdom
When you were only trying to lead me to the right lane

I understand now why you try so hard
To give your children what you never had
And I thank you so much for your efforts
And I love you for being a great dad

Remember when I was around five
I said I wanted to be Queen of the World
You grinned at me and replied
"But you'll always be Daddy's Little Girl"