Exploring Faith

I still wonder why you beat me, Dad, Just for going to church, was it so bad? With friends I went, curious and free. To see their faith, what harm could be?

In the quiet pews, I sought to understand another's belief, a different land. But you saw sin, in every prayer, and answered with fists, a father's despair.

Bruises bloomed where your anger rained, each strike a question, each blow unexplained. Why must curiosity be met with pain? Why must love for learning leave a stain?

I wasn't rebelling, I wasn't turning away. Just a boy exploring on a Sunday. Yet you saw betrayal in my innocent quest, and punished me fiercely, forgetting the rest.

Innocent eyes, now shadowed with fear, A child's heart, shattered and seared. The church bells tolled, a mournful sound, as tears fell silently, hitting the ground.

I still wonder why, in the dark of night. What made you see my quest as blight? Why did love twist into such a rage? Locking a curious child in a cage?

I sought the light, but found the dark, In the places your wrath left its mark. Dad, I wonder, will you ever see? The pain you caused just for being me?