I Love You, Daddy

A giggle, a laugh, a smile or two
A black eye, a cracked rib, a lie or two
A broken arm, a knocked out tooth
A lie I tell every day at school

Every day I cover the bruises you inflict
I lie about the broken arm you stomped and kicked
I wear makeup at seven to hide the black eye
Everyone asks questions, and I only lie

The lipstick covers the swollen lips
Nothing covers the limp from the broken hip
A smile covers the misery I know every day
But nothing, nothing can keep the tears at bay

You sneer at me and I just cringe away
Hoping you'll let me live another day
Sometimes I just wish that I would die
That you would kill me so I no longer cry

I smile at the teachers so they won't ask
I cover my sadness with a tattered mask
My body is bruised, but my soul is scarred
Never once can I let down my guard

You tell me you hate me, you wish I hadn't been born
I wish it too, so I wouldn't have your scorn
Even though you hit me, I still love you
You're my daddy, and I'm protecting you

I know if I tell you will go away
Even though you hate me, I want you to stay
Even though you make me so sad
I know deep inside you aren't so bad

Can't you love me too?
Can't you love your little girl
Like your little girl loves you?

~ Dedicated to all of the victims of child abuse. Please help in the fight against child abuse and speak up if you suspect neglect or abuse in a child's home.