The Things I Leave Unsaid

3. A Father's Love

Walk carefully along the eggshells.

Don't let him smell your fear.

You'll never ever be good enough

Is all I ever hear.

Wishing for a different life,

Dreaming violent dreams,

Straight A's but still not smart enough.

Things aren't always how they seem.

Friends think I have the perfect life,

Never knowing for I don't speak

Of things I have experienced.

I don't want them to see me weak.

Believe the lies I tell you.

Life is great, I'll say.

I'm happy,

I am perfectly fine.

I swear that I'm okay.

I'm praised by my peers and I really feel like

I could be someone if I tried.

But as soon as I get home from school,

He speaks and my hope has died.

Why do you choose to cut me down?

Daddies are supposed to be

The ones who protect and build us up,

But that's not how it is for me.

Sincerely,
Dustin the Great