Daddy Don't You Love Me?

Round and Round Faster and Faster She spins and spins Until finally the bell rings A smile plastered on her face She doesn’t dare tell them the truth They don’t know What life is like at home The day ends Then a bus ride home Her stomach twists Into painful knots As the bus squeals to a stop Hesitation And a deep breath She opens the door She spots mommy “Daddy’s home” She can’t help but cringe Steps inside Tries to make a dash to her room Daddy blocks her way “Hello sweetheart” “Hi… daddy” Drink in hand Hand on her shoulder No way out In the living room TV blaring Mommy’s forced smile “Come now honey, Do you really need To drink tonight? His face changes Scary daddy appears In only a moment A bottle shatters Mommy’s on the ground Mark on her face Tears in her eyes It’s the same most nights Sobbing and scared The little girl doesn’t know what to do Daddy steps toward her Raises his hand “Daddy!” “Daddy!” “Don’t you love me?" Daddy!” Pain in his eyes Just for an instant Just a flash Of real emotion He walks away And she runs out the door