A Father's Promise

A FATHER’S PROMISE

Huddled, trembling, crouching beneath the bed clothes
Eyes wide open as if to see the dark
Scuffling, snorting, breathy noises
Scritchy, scratchy on the wardrobe door
Creaking door handle turning slowly, slowly
“It’s all right love, there’s no wardrobe monster”
“Do you promise Dad? Do you promise?”

Water’s breaking in the dead of night
Stomach twisting in agonising cramps
Slippers on wrong feet, stumbles down stairs
Crazy roller coaster ride through accusing red lights
Long, loud corridors, white walls and white masks
“Hold my hand, love; it’ll help with the pain”
“Do you promise Dad? Do you promise?”

Photographs in tatters on the dining room table
Wardrobes empty and clothes on the lawn
Treasured rings of diamonds and gold
Cast out with the remains of last nights supper
Sounds of slamming doors still echoing in the night
“He’s not worth it, Love, you’ll soon forget him”
“Do you promise Dad? Do you promise?”

Fierce winter winds full of rain and tears
Shoulders hunched against the cold
Soil on wood, sobbing and crying
Staring, staring into that deep dark hole
One last rose falls on the lid
“I’ll always be there for you love, always”
“Do you promise Dad? Do you promise?”