Remember when I used to get excited when you walked in the door?
I used to scream
And jump into your arms,
Because it was there that I knew that I was safe.

I knew Daddy's arms was the best place to be,
Right up there with sitting in his lap,
Eating fish and laughing at things I didn't understand.

The word "Daddy" used to be one that brought a grin to my face,
Because "Daddy" was my best friend,
My knight in shining armor.

"Daddy" was the guy I talked to when I was sad,
Or told when other kids were mean to me,
Because I knew Daddy would take care of it.

Daddy was my hero.

"Daddy",
A word I now cringe at the thought of.
No longer do I wait for you to pull up in the driveway,
Instead I dread the sound of the garage door opening.

I don't look to you as a hero anymore,
Rather something I despise.

I don't know who you are,
But I can't call you my "Daddy."

No, Daddy was a good man,
Someone I looked up to,
You? You are someone I detest.
Someone I can't wait to get away from.

"Daddy" never made mommy cry,
"Daddy" never yelled,
"Daddy" never acted like he was king of the world.

No girl,
No child,
Should be terrified of what will happen when "Daddy" walks in the door,

No Child should have to watch their mom cry,
Day after day,
Hoping "Daddy" might love her like he used to.

I guess what I'm trying to say,
Is, "Daddy,
Where have you gone?"