The Other Dad Poem by Keri Jopplin

Bless me Father but have I sinned?
For my life's in turmoil never to end.
Crushed by its silence our lives in Hell;
To terrible to speak of and no one to tell.

Reminiscing my youth that has slid on by,
For year after year, it's hidden this lie.
Childhood memories, they're burning of desire;
His hands upon me, left imprints of fire!

The impression of love it continues to burn,
A child in fear with no where to turn!
It's altered my life his crime of passion,
Never it changes, this life-long fashion.

That's lasted a lifetime and furthered its toll;
My step dad he was in his fatherly role.
I feel abandoned and lost, dirty and used;
For my love and trust, I was sexually abused.

Why was it I God, I ask in prayer?
Why wasn't I loved? Didn't anyone care?
Who is this child and where has she gone?
Is she still hiding, thinking shes done wrong?


Keri Jopplin
3/17/1991
Revised 5/14/2000
Copyright ©2011