be good, honey

i will, daddy

a string of lies
spills from my mouth like
a magician's scarf;
how can i be good

if you don't
if you can't
if you aren't
if you won't

'fathers be good to your daughters'

funny how that line was playing
as you rose your hand to strike me
maybe i overreacted
maybe you were drunk

'daughters will love like you do'

enveloped in violence
how can i learn anything
from this example
enacted by the hero i once knew

who would cradle me in his arms
instead of using them against me
who would shout praises
instead of abuse

who simply loved me

'where'd you go? i miss you so'

dunno where my old daddy went
he's been skipping, ditching, playing hooky
and his absence makes a difference

be good, honey
you too, dad

Author's Note

The centered/italicized/quoted lines are from the following songs: 'Daughters' by John Mayer and 'Where'd You Go?' by Fort Minor. I own nothing/am not shirking copyright. Abuse is a touchy subject, but one I've lived through. Last night's events were so ironic...John Mayer in the background, my father with a beer in his hand. I just wanted to sort of make the personal political I suppose. Please know that if you're in this sort of situation, there is always a way out. You are not alone. And mostly, THIS IS NOT YOUR FAULT.

Reviews

[Omily]

This is so powerful. I'm seriously stunned by the emotions. And it was very clever to put the song lyrics in there, you placed them perfectly.