A Father's Tragedy

The hands at birth were small and fragile;
The unawareness of the innocent.
The eyes of newness fell upon me, and the weight of joy was indescribable.
Throughout the years, I taught and guided. I watched in amazement as you took in the world around you and created your own.
I calmed your fears, I healed your wounds. I was the foundation of your security. You slept with ease at night, for you knew no evil would befall you as long as I was near.
I always thought I would hear your voices everyday. I would be gifted with the sight of your beauty.
But then a tragedy fell upon us all.
Your innocence was stolen. Your world was shattered. Everything you knew fell apart and was left in pieces.
You have been the receiver of something that you did not create. A consequence of the confused.
Your tears rip my heart apart. Your pain should have never been carried by ones so small. It belongs to me and me alone. Life has bestowed upon you that which it has no right to give. I damn it for taking advantage of your simplicity.
I still hear your voices. I still see your shadows when you are not around. You play in my mind day after day. Your imprint stays upon my heart.
As I walk through my days, I see the families of the whole. I grow jealous of their happiness. I curse their contentment. For you have been stolen from me. You now see me through stained glassed windows. I am no longer your hero, but now a warden.
My daily hope for you is that the stains will be made clear for you. That the years that have been stolen will be given back. I can only observe you from afar now. I stand alone and watch you walk without me.
Know that my footprints are not far behind yours. That one day, they will be side by side. That this tragedy will be made right. I assure you, you have not been forsaken. Time is our friend and enemy. When all is said I will have my redemption. To this I swear.