Hello Dad

Hello dad.

I hurt,
I hurt because you hurt me.
Instead of kind words,
You give me scorn.
I needed a father,
and you gave me a dictator.

Don’t you remember?
I do.

Hello dad.

I hurt,
I hurt because you hurt me.
Your gnarled hands around my throat,
And that strong knee
In my back.

Don’t you remember?
I do.

Hello dad.

I did not live up to your standards,
And so you treated me to
Abuse.

The mental,
And the physical,
These were your gifts
To me.

But of course,
You wouldn’t remember that,
Would you?

For that, you would have to care.
Bastard. .
That is what you are.

Hello dad.

I hate,
Hate because you taught me
How.

Don’t you remember?
I do.

When you are beat on day in,
And day out, treated like dirt,
As less than human,
Then you change.

You learn to hate.
When you are told you are worthless,
And treated as a pariah,
You cannot help but to cease to respect.

You taught me to hate,
But in despite of you,
I can still feel love,
Love for you.
You see,

Whilst you taught me to hurt,
And fear,
I am bigger than you,

And better.

I’ve already said hello,
But now,
At long last,
I find that I am ready,

To say
Goodbye.

Adam Pick © 2004