My father tucked me in
               and kissed me every night
My father stood up to my closet
               to banish any fright
My father’s voice boomed with pride
               As he sang me lullabies
My father made my coin disappear
              Right before my eyes
My father told me I was perfect
              And beautiful in every way
My father taught me how to throw a ball
              And read to me every day
My father kissed me that night he left
             And said to keep my smile large
My father tilted his helmet back
             And left dressed in camouflage
My father told me he’d be back
             To kiss me again in time
My father is an honest man
            But that will always be a lie
For the night that ended his
          Was the night that changed my life
All of the grief and misery
           Could not erase the fact I know
It might be unfair to think
But my father’s killer
            Is another daughter’s hero