Protection

In an attempt

to save her from pain

and to keep the world from destroying 

her tender heart,

I stood for her

when she could not.

I stood for her

when fear and anxiety disabled her.

And I said "No!"

Loudly.

To the damaged child

who would not stop

causing her pain.

To the frustration of watching her

take the repeated blows.

To the dark haired girl

who's blackened nature

spread like a disease

to smother my dear girl's happiness.

I said "No!"

in an attempt to save her from pain

and believing it would teach her how

to stand for herself.

But

I stood for her

and I taught her

that I could not trust her

to stand for herself.

I stood for her

and proved to her 

that she was not strong enough

to stand for herself.

I stood for her

and I took away her power

to choose her own path

I stood for her

and I taught her 

that I could not be trusted.