Tombstone Daddy

Today while visiting a loved one
Realizing I was no longer alone
A little girl sat next to me on my left
Looking down but quite at home

Tears pooled in her bright blue eyes
Wasn't more than six years of age
Her little face was drawn and pale
If you looked closely you could see rage

Her long blonde hair was in clumps
Hadn't been brushed for so long
Kneeling right here next to me
One little girl who couldn't be strong

As she slowly bowed her head so low
Whispering words I couldn't hear
It hit me that she wasn't just angry
But also now in a world of fear

Hesitantly making my way over to her
Asking what she was doing all alone
Startling blue eyes pierced mine
As she informed me this was her home

"See, my daddy did go to war
Mummy told me he lives in this place
She says he is watching over me
So why can't I see his face?"

As my heart constricted in my chest
Finally noticing where she sat
She was sitting on top of a grave
Grass and dirt crushed so flat

Misery was etched on her features
As she lied clutching the grave
Tears slipped silently down my face
Watching this angel so brave

Peering at me through her eyelashes
Her eyes remaining so bitter and sad
Her mouth opened and she whispered
"Daddy, without you I feel so bad."