Why?

Why? By Carrietta Williams

Why?
Why daddy?
Why?

What did I do to make you like this?
Was I not good enough?
I can do better.
I can.
Come back.
Please come back.
I will be a good girl, I promise.

You told me you would always be here.
You said I was your little princess.
So why did you leave?
Why did you not come back?

You don't even call any more.
It has been eighteen years since that night when you kissed me on the forehead and said you would see me soon.
Three telephone calls and no visits in the last ten years.

Where were you when I learned to ride a bike? Where were you when my first boyfriend broke my heart?
Where were you when I got my license or graduate from school?
I know you were not here where I needed you.

Why are you not here?
You promised you would always be here for me. You promised.
You did not hold me when I cried or walked me down the aisle at my wedding.
Today you are not here to see your grandson welcoming this brand new world.

Why?
You promised.
Why?

What could I have possibly done?
Was I not good enough?
Why did you leave?
Why?