I am not the way I used to be. I am stronger and wiser, as you can see. Remember my words, my father said, As he cradled me up and laid me to bed. You will someday be a lady with a life of your own, With someone to love you as I have shown. I will always be here to lend a hand, To help you and guide you when you don't understand. Somehow I believed his words; I'd see He was not the father he promised to be. Instead, he was a man who did not care. My mother was my father because he was never there. I often cry myself to sleep; My father's love was not mine to keep. I miss my father, I won't lie. Not a single hug or one last goodbye. He is now a man free to roam, Not worrying of his family or coming home. He walked out of my life and never turned my way. Oh, why Daddy, why didn't you stay?