Not Again Poem by Travis Johnson

Not again that’s all I hear
That’s all she says
3 years old tears in her eyes
Looking at me like if she prays
Jus got home 4 months ago
Now I’m heading back out
Her soft pleading
Turned into a screaming shout
She looks at me and said
Who’s gonna hold me when I cry
Or when I go to bed
Who’s gonna sing me lullabies
My body shaking with her thoughts
My heart hurts with her sorrow
Cause I know something she don’t
That I won’t be here this time tomorrow
I picked her up and held her
And said you gotta be tough for daddy
And while I’m gone for work
You gotta take care of mommy
She looked in my eyes
And said I’ll do what you said
Then she started to cry harder
Started to plead and beg
Snot running out her nose
Droll falling out her mouth
She said I’ll be a good girl for you daddy
Please don’t leave this house
That’s when I put her head on my shoulder
Then closed my eyes thinking no way
I wish I could baby
I wish I could stay
The more we talked about it
The harder it became
What more can I tell her?
Is there anything I can say?
I pushed her head off my shoulder
Jus so I could wipe her tears
I told her I’ll be safe baby
Please have no fear
She slowly stops crying
Then I kissed her cheek
I told her everything is going to be fine
I promise baby you will see
She wiped her last tear
Then she asked for a snack
I said after we eat
You can help daddy pack
She fell asleep in the bed
Later on that night
I gave her my last kiss
Then I left to catch my flight