Some days
I realize the burden
The frustration
The pain
My mother went through
Raising 3 kids
To a deadbeat dad
And I remember
How much I wanted
To have a real father
A role model
A hero
A friend.
Kicked out,
I didn't understand
He didn't love us
He didn't care
His beer was his companion
That's all he had.
And to say I felt bad
Would be a lie.
I didn't feel bad.
I didn't feel pain for him.
I felt angry.
Alone.

And now
Time and time again
I strive for something
That little bit
And every time
He disappoints.
Yet I try,
Always promising
Not to get hurt
Not to cry
And every time
Every ******* time
I break that promise
Fool me once
Shame on you
Fool me twice.
Shame on me.

Now it's your turn,
Show some courage
Show some compassion
For someone other than yourself.
Man the hell up,
Grow the hell up,
And be a real father.