I heard wailings in your room again this morning
The voice of your daughter calling for help,
Asking for forgiveness
I heard her shaky, re-assuring voice:
“Daddy I won’t do it again”
Then I heard your stern warning:
“Shut up! Keep quiet”
You were enjoying yourself
At the expense of her happiness
And yet expecting her not to cry
You would not spare the rod and spoil the child
Really?
I was just a helpless listener
Fighting myself not to intervene
Woe is me
I was a heartless passive listener then
But not again…
Never again!
———
PS: WIP