Daddy, I never asked to see you cry
It is unsettling
Because I have tried to convince myself
That this isn't happening.
You make it harder.

Daddy, we never got along
But suddenly, you are not taking advantage
Of my vulnerability.
You aren't using this as an opportunity
To berate me.
Something must be wrong.

For the first few days,
You allowed me to cry.
Now, once mom returned
Our relationship seems to be
"Business as usual" once again.

We nag, we fight, we ignore
The underlying issues.
But we seldom forget
The words that have seeped through
The cracks of our broken sidewalk at hand.

Daddy, I just want to be coddled
And yet, I want nothing of the sort
Because that would mean that this is all real.

Daddy, I just want to be a child again
But somehow, I seek my independence
Pushing boundaries as I go.

Daddy, I just want things
To be okay once again.