Care

I sit, motionless. Hands on my head, breathing slowly.
In the distance, a peppy step a slight sing-song echoing.
I hear her roam the house, hearing her call, until finally she stumbles upon me.
"Daddy...? Daddy, where are you? Daddy!? What's wrong!?"

She looks in, a mask of concern, worry and compassion.
Her hair in a ponytail bouncing as she rushes to me.
Her uniform straining as she kneels to me, trying to see.
"Daddy? There's something wrong... This isn't right."

My eyes gently shift upward, my gaze upon her beauty.
Breathing gently as I finally slide my eyes up to hers.
Her sweetness and worry colliding as she searches my soul.
"Sweet One, I'm alright... I'm just... It's so hard right now..."

Instantly she know. Instantly she sees, her eyes seeing my soul laid bare, and the pain therein.
Her arms wrap around me, her lips press to mine.
And then her words flow with my tears.
"It's OK Daddy, I'm here. I've got you, and it's going to be fine."

She caresses my back and holds me to her.
Her innocence aside, still there under a layer of care.
She gently coos in my ear as we press together as one.
"I'm here Daddy. This is my job. I take care of my Daddy, whatever he needs. Your pain is my pain, as you have borne mine. I will nurture you Daddy, as you have done me."