Dear "Dad"

Why do you hurt our family the way
you do?
Why do you say things that aren't
true?
You've said so many hurtful things
that I don't even know if I could ever mend my relationship with you.
Every time I try to accept you, you
go and yell about even small things.
I don't think you realize how bad
your attitude stings.
You hurt my mother by threatening
to leave her, me and my brother
every time things get tough.
Isn't our love for you enough?
You know, in your vows you said
on your wedding day "for better
or for worse".
It hurts every time you curse.
I get so tired of having to tip toe
around you.
I get so tired of trying to love you.
I get so tired of hearing only about the things that I do wrong.
Then you wonder why we don't get
along.
I've cried so many tears because of you throughout the years.
I've tried so hard to accept you as
my dad, but when call me and my
brother names it hurts so bad.
Lately I've been nothing but sad.
I really don't want to move out,
but it really makes me think about
it allot when you shout.
Even when you are done with your
yelling, the hurt inside still haunts
me.
It stays there and captures me in a
prison of silence.
Even though you are not physically
hurting us, your words are still
violence.
I really wish I could find a way to
get through to you, and let you know all the hurt you do.
But I find it hard to speak to you.
I feel there is nothing I can say that will get through.
You don't think I hear the hurtful
words you say, but whether you know it or not I do.