What Do You Do?

What do you do when you hurt yourself?
You run to Daddy, whose calloused hands
And huskily soothing croon
Easily and efficiently bandage the wound, your
Child-like trust in his talents
Sending him to the moon.

What do you do, petrified on a stage?
Your line is here, they're counting on you,
The voice that's needed to carry them through.
Fleetingly, you find a pair of eyes in the crows,
And suddenly unperturbed, your voice rings out proud.

What do you do when curious of the world?
Your thoughts and ideas are rampant, you want to know how;
"Daddy, how does this work? Can you tell me now?"
Daddy sets aside his task, takes you lovingly by the hand,
And explains carefully, answering your questioning demand.

What do you do after your first heartbreak?
Tears run unchecked, chin quivers, but Daddy sees.
He gathers you in his loving embrace,
Cradling you again upon his strong knees.
He rocks you gently, saying nothing, just being there,
But reminding you that you're his Princess with his tender care.

But what do you do when you aren't Daddy's girl anymore?
What happens when he no longer peers at you with a sparkle in his eye?
When you're the last he hugs, when you must beg a kiss, when you feel he's living a lie?

What do you do when he's changed?
When he doesn't favor you with special treatment?
When he no longer twirls you in the air?
When he won't acquiesce to your silliest whims?

What do you do when Daddy won't dance?
What do you do when Daddy won't play?
What do you do when Daddy doesn't want to hug?
What do you do when you slip away?

What do you do when you grow up?
A new man seems to take Daddy's place,
But nothing will ever begin to erase
The love Daddy and you share, the loving care
That no longer seems to be there?

How do you let Daddy know he's still special?
How to say "I have room in my heart for you both"?
How to describe the overwhelming sorrow
Thinking he's lost to you forever?

What do you do to let Daddy know you loved him first?