PaiN In PriNt

• Diana Gitman, Grade 9
• Poetry
• 2009

I was only 9,
When i had to choose,
Which parent to live with,
And which one I’d lose.

I said, 'Daddy, I love you,
But mummy needs me more'.
There were tears in his eyes,
As he walked out the door.

When I was only 9 years old,
My daddy went away.
He swore he'd always love me,
But he said he couldn't stay.
It happened 4 years ago
Though it seems like yesterday
I remember it clearly
It was a cold winters day.

He told me you loved me
Then left through the door
3 bags and a suitcase, and nothing more.

Pain in my heart as I watch my family split apart,
Things might never be the same,
Betrayal is the game
The tears in my eyes as we say our goodbyes,
I ask myself why,
Why does it gotta be this way?

I guess I'll never get it,
Did I do something bad?
My parents got divorced,
But why did I lose my dad?
Why won't you be the dad
I yearn for and deserve
Instead of just basically
Kicking me to the curb

We talk on occasion
But you never listen
You say you aint got time no more
So I continue wishing
It wasn’t easy but I survived
Because my mama was by my side
I'll never get why
You do what you do
I wish I could comprehend
I try, I really do

And As you live with your new wife, just remember one thing,
You gave me life and were you real family. I hope one day you realise, and feel guilty for what you did, to a 14 year old girl whome you once called your kid.

This story is true,
I really wish I could change it.
But life aint fair,
And unfortunately I can't rearrange it.