Daddy,

I watched her blood pool on the ceramic tile,

So many nights she was bent over,

Trying not to cry, as the glass bore into her skin.

Daddy,

We drove down city streets,

In the middle of the night,

The frost etching against the glass,

Running away from him.

Daddy,

I colored birthday cards,

Penciled letters,

Dreamed you would be there,

To save me, that somehow you knew,

I needed you….

Daddy,

You left her there,

And me to spare,

I hide the bruises,

I kept the secrets,

As long as I could,

Did what a good girl

Should.

Daddy,

It’s 28 years later,

I’m still scared of the dark.

Hands still terrify me,

I am afraid to give my trust.

You never even cared so much,

As to know my name.