Innocent.
Beautiful.

Walks down the stairs,
With a torn teddy.

Clueless yet knowing.
Hopeful, she says,

"Daddy, tuck me in."

Pulls at my tee,
Dragging me away.

From the screams and the fights.
Away from the broken crockery.

She is my porcelain doll.
Delicate yet strong.

"Will you be fine?" She asks.
Tonight, I lie.

Smiles through my worries,
Rubs a palm over my forehead.

To erase the creases.
Creases of life.

Laying by her feet on the bed,
Tonight, I cry.

And,
Kiss her good night.

Wipe my eyes for her,
Tonight, I sacrifice.

Unsaid words cut through veins.
Pack my bags.

Look at my little girl,
Through the glass door.

Can't face her anymore,
So, leave a teddy bear.

By her bed.

Because,
Tonight, I die.