I wonder what Erin was thinking when she heard her mother shrieking…
The words that tore the flesh from my bones
I wonder what Erin was thinking when her mother wielded the knife…
The knife she threatened to cut me with…and then herself
It all was meant to punish…to hurt…to exact revenge for some unknown crime
But how did it impact the innocents?

I wonder how Kelly felt when she heard her mother’s tongue
And when she saw the fellow that, overtime, I had become
Once a football playing daddy – gentle smiles and tender tone
Now disheartened and depressed, the joy of life completely gone
One adult who feels entitled to take her pound of flesh
Raging, howling and eventually destroying, our relationship
But how did it impact the innocents?

I wonder how Erin felt when she sat with me that day
Did she know I wouldn’t leave her, although I couldn’t stay?
And Kelly, did she hear me when I said I’d given up
But that I’d always be there – just a call away?
That it wasn’t her or Erin, but her mother I must leave
To stay would be my death, for sure -- I knew I had to go
But how did it impact the innocents?

And then the final blow was taken, the use of court & false allegation
Lies given power by court authority and, of course, her manipulation
“I’m afraid” she said and that was all that was needed
The truth didn’t matter, her words only were heeded
The gavel sounded -- Two years – impounded
“No Contact!” They said – “We can’t take the risk!”
But how did it impact the innocents?

Two long years, and longer still
If fact, I now wonder if we ever will…
For the abuse and the lies I know were continued
To enhance her story and create confusion, all for her own self-amusement!
But what I don’t know is what they remembered
In the midst of her negativity, can they remember with clarity?
How did it impact the innocents?

I wonder what my daughters thought…when no word from Dad was ever got
Not safe to let them know, not safe to call or go
What do they think of what’s transpired
When in depths of darkness they’ve been mired?
For two lovely daughters whose father was there
As only God knows, it’s been in prayer.
How did it impact the innocents?

My greatest fear, without a doubt, is that they’ve learned what mother taught
Energized by rage and fear -- Self-satisfied and self-entitled
Fearful that they’ll be alone, and, through fear, creating their own destiny
Hurting those around and then, hurting even more within
I shake this off and in God trust, He is my anchor and I must
Continue on and pray each day for glad reunion, glorious day
For though time cannot rewind, we’re promised future that’s sublime!
How did it impact the innocents?