Invisible Band-Aids

I remember when I was a little kid
And I would get hurt
I went through a stage
Where I didn't want Mommy
to kiss the boo-boo or ouchie
I wanted my Daddy
But Daddy didn't use kisses
to make the boo-boos all better,
he used invisible Band-Aids

I would almost want to get hurt
just so I could get one
I'd run to my dad
forefinger extended, crying
I'd watch in rapture as he'd
announce with much grandeur
He'd pull out an invisible Band-Aid
from his shirt pocket

I would watch eagerly
as he'd deftly tear open the wrapper
Toss it aside
Pull the little plastic tabs away
He'd gently take my finger
Stick the Band-Aid on
Press the one tape down
wrap the Band-Aid around
and securely press the other tape down

The boo-boo was instantly better
It actually felt like there was
A Band-Aid on my finger
I knew there wasn't really
an invisible Band-Aid
But I had so much faith in
my dad, so much love,
that his invisible Band-Aids worked

That was one of the best things
I can remember about my dad
It's funny how things change
You grow up and realize
That invisible Band-Aids are nothing,
That your dad isn't Superman
That, in fact, he can't fix anything

Nothing hurts more than when
a parent lets you down
All the invisible Band-Aids
In the world won't fix it
When a parent betrays a child's trust
Violates their being
Shatters their innocence