At eight years old, do I know what love means?
My Daddy says I do, but maybe not.
My Daddy smiles and tells me not to scream.
My Daddy smirks, “Just do what you were taught.”
My Daddy sighs … I wonder why his love
Must hurt. What can I do to stop the pain?
With hope I shift my eyes and look above
The bed. Escape and find relief again.
A slap…relief retreats, “What’s wrong with you?”
My Daddy shouts, “Why can’t you get it right?”
My Daddy turns away. Can it be true?
I can’t be loved except for his delight.
Despairing, I plead, “Jesus hear my cry.”
Are Daddy’s words the truth or does he lie?
Other relevant posts:
Sonnet II- Does Love Abide Where I Cannot See?
What Kind of Love is This?- Part IIWhat Kind of Love is This? Part I
What Kind of Love is This? Part III Sonnets
14 thoughts on “Daddy’s Words”