This Always Brings Me To Tears

I remember that day he left,

in nineteen-ninety eight.

I remember the pain I felt,

I screamed for him to stay.

I sobbed so hard.

I could not breathe.

Why did he have to go?

I never understood why we,

had to pack and go.

I prayed that dad would call,

or surprise me afterschool.

Mom said I was bad,

so I thought he hated me, too.

I thought he would come back.

I miss all the games we'd play.

During the week mom would stack,

adult things into my day.

Dad, please come back.

The night the taxi drove away,

I prayed but no one answered.

I lost my faith in God that day.