He doesn't mean to make you frown
It's just time to pack up and move to another town
Just when you get used to things
He never means to make a sting
Don't bother unpacking that box
If you do, I give you props
Be careful if you get too comfortable
He doesn't mean to make you cry
He'll make it up, sing a lullaby
He'll send you flowers on your birthday
While mommy says he'll be home one day
For some, that day never comes
For me, I pray so I won't go numb

I get my poster, markers bright
While "wlcome home", he'll soon be in my sight
I march to the airport in my camo dress
As he comes off the plane there goes my stress
I can see right through him
Like he can see through me
Althoug he's happy
He's got PTSD
He hugs me tight and never lets go
I say "I love you, Daddy"
He replies "Oh how you've grown"
he hands me a bear with a message inside
I hug it and cry as time passesby
His voice echoes within as I hug its furry brown skin
He knew that I'd love this, he just had to within!
As I think back to what daddy told me,
(Honor, Respect, Devotion to duty")
I get scared when he's out at sea
"USCG" I chant all-day
I sway and rock all just for play

As time goes on I know it's coming soon
That dreaded phone call, "Pack your things, we're heading out this afternoon."
Daddy leaves in hurry, hugs me oh so tight
I know what he's doing, going out to just fight
I know he'll be back soon or so I thought
When that man came to my door I became distraught
He will not be forgotten, though gone too soon
There are no more tears, emotions become immune

As I lay in my bed Iturn to face the side
I get up and scream then it's time to decide
I go to my closet, the bottom shelf to be precise
There is it a little brown box what inside well that's a surprise
I rip it open with hopes that it's you
What do I see? There's no way that it could be true
Just the bear nothing else but had I forgetten
All I needed to do was push the little black button
I pushed his stomach and gulped hoping to remember
The sound of your voice I last heard in September
My head laid to rest, tears running down my face
I vowed to follow in your footsteps I wouldn't want to be a disgrace
I shut my eyes to get some sleep
I felt you tuck me in almost half asleep
"I love you, Daddy," I thought to myself
"I love you too baby girl" his soft voice mewled 

Angelina F.