Round and Round

Faster and Faster

She spins and spins

Until finally the bell rings

A smile plastered on her face

She doesn’t dare tell them the truth

They don’t know

What life is like at home

The day ends

Then a bus ride home

Her stomach twists

Into painful knots

As the bus squeals to a stop

Hesitation

And a deep breath

She opens the door

She spots mommy

“Daddy’s home”

She can’t help but cringe

Steps inside

Tries to make a dash to her room

Daddy blocks her way

“Hello sweetheart”

“Hi… daddy”

Drink in hand

Hand on her shoulder

No way out

In the living room

TV blaring

Mommy’s forced smile

“Come now honey,

Do you really need

To drink tonight?

His face changes

Scary daddy appears

In only a moment

A bottle shatters

Mommy’s on the ground

Mark on her face

Tears in her eyes

It’s the same most nights

Sobbing and scared

The little girl doesn’t know what to do

Daddy steps toward her

Raises his hand

“Daddy!”

“Daddy!”

“Don’t you love me?"

Daddy!”

Pain in his eyes

Just for an instant

Just a flash

Of real emotion

He walks away

And she runs out the door