Why Does Love Hurt, Daddy?

Just a frightened little child;
I pull the covers over my head.
I hear his footsteps down the hall;
As he comes closer, towards my bed.

My heart is pounding faster now;
I feel it in my chest.
If only he would let me alone;
And leave me to my rest.

He says I am his favorite one;
And he loves me, oh so much.
But I feel so very sick inside;
As I feel his cold, hard touch.

My tiny body's shaking now;
As he touches my private place.
I close my eyes in terror;
I can not look into his face.

Finally, he leaves my room;
Sneaking back to his bed, unseen.
I lay shaking under my covers;
Was this nightmare just a dream?

No, it wasn't a dream for me;
It's a nightmare that goes on to repeat.
Soon the tears will stop falling again;
And maybe I'll fall asleep.

If Daddy loves me so very much;
Why does he cause this pain?
What did I do that was so bad?
That makes him come back again?

I must be a very bad little girl;
If Daddy does this to me.
And I can never tell anyone;
I am dirty, and can't let them see.

I will curl up now, and fall asleep;
And the tears, will dry away.
But they will soon return again;
When Daddy "loves me" another day.

© Betty Hawkins 2003
(All Rights Reserved)