When I was Your Dad

 
I.
 
I used to hold your hand every time we’d cross the street
I used to show you how to tie your shoes tightly to your feet
I used to drop you off at school each morning on my way to work
I used to look in the rear view mirror and see your perfect little smirk
 
I taught you how to clean your room and put away your toys
I was even there watch you start to take an interest in boys
I took you to your softball games and watched you play your best
I encouraged you to push on through, when your resolve was put to test
 
I put you in your nice warm bed and read you tons of stories
I tucked you in and kissed your head saying “I love you. See you in the morning.”
I played you all my favorite songs, the ones, my heart, they touched
You’d bang your head and sing along adorably, it was too much
 
I was there when kids were cruel to you and made you feel alone
I wiped your tears, held you close and said “It gets better when you’re grown.”
I shared with you all my bully stories and how I had made it through
I did my best to reassure you that you could make it too
 
I remember on the longest day, I came home to unwind
You came to me and said my name with a question on your mind
I didn’t know that longest day would be the best I ever had
You looked at me, with big blue eyes and asked “Can I call you Dad?”
 
My knees grew weak, tears welled up and blood rushed to my head
I wasn’t your father by blood, but one you had chosen instead
A child’s love, the purest love, a love I’d never been shown
It truly was the greatest moment that I have ever known
 
II.
 
I wanted to be your Dad forever, watch you grow and chase your dreams
But things change far too quickly, life had other plans it seems
I can’t begin to explain the reasons why I felt I had to leave
It was the hardest choice a man could make, and that you can believe
 
I did what was right, I only did what I thought was best
To save you from being part of a vicious and tragic mess
The reasons why I had to go are not easy to be conveyed
The pain, the tears, the sadness would surely have been greater if I’d stayed
 
I made my choice, I made my bed, knowing full well what it would mean
I would lose you both in disastrous fashion, such a dreadful scene
You’ll be better, you’ll be fine without the distraction I would provide
All the strength you need to excel is already growing if you look inside.
 
I know you’ll be the brightest star amongst all those shining in the sky
You’re so smart, you’re so wonderful, you were always destined to fly
I pray you look fondly on our memories and the good times that we had
I will hold them close and cherish always, the time when I was your Dad