I love you, dad.

You gave me a candy-coated mask.

But in reality, 

You filled my lungs with a poisonous gas.

I love you, dad.

A toast to our friendship,

That will forever last.

But, you taught me how to forget,

And put my family in the past.

I love you, dad.

You chose a great woman for me.

But, every time I see her face,

Blood covers her cheeks.

I love you, dad.

My mother said it too!

She told me it would be alright,

Even if she didn't see you.

I love you, dad.

You taught me how to run.

But why does my heart feel so loaded,

Like the inside of a gun?

I love you, dad.

You taught me how to cry.

And if I told you "I really love you"

I wouldn't question that I lied.

I love you, dad.

You are a great memory.

A father to my past,

And a lesson to my reality.