BUT WHY

I was thirteen years old,
so innocent and free.
My father and I
What a pair we would be.

Hanging Christimas lights,
Painting houses at his side.
Spending time together
Next to him I would abide.

One spring day things took a turn
As my father sat by me.
He apologized for his actions
In which I had yet to see.

He told me of his leaving
Reasons why he could not stay.
None made any sense to me
I had no choice but say okay.

One by one he removed his things
As tears streamed down my face.
I remember asking, "Must you leave?"
And saw a look of true disgrace.>
I tightly clung to his jammies
He'd left on the floor.
And asked God "But why?"
As he walked out the door.

My heart felt a tearing
As my face stung in pain.
I assessed what was happening
And knew I'd nothing to gain.

Without looking back
The door closed behind him.
I gently clutched my sweet sister
While our lives looked so grim.

Our world suddenly shaken
It truly was tough.
But we had eachother
Somehow, that was enough.

'Til this day we are close
My sweet sister and I.
But not many days go by
That I don't ask, "But why?"