Words I've Withheld

Dearest daughter, only child;

You've known pain throughout your youth.

Where's your father? I was wild.

This you knew to be the truth.

I was struggling with addictions,

Unaware you struggled, too.

When I learned of your afflictions,

I set out to rescue you.

And so you came to stay with me;

A most unlikely pair.

Rarely have an easy day, but we

Get by because we care.

There are few things I don't tell you,

But one secret I must keep.

I still worry I might fail you,

To the end that I lose sleep.

A Father's duty is to love;

To earn your trust and keep you safe.

Each day, I pray to God above

To strengthen me and give me faith.

Though, still, at times, the fear returns.

The one first borne in addict's chains;

And always loved ones it concerns,

But silent, always, it remains.