Empty Pain

You call for the waiter,
And I know it's nearing the end.
I hold back the tears,
I wish I could pretend.

Falling back on the car seat,
Sighing softly as I gaze out,
I wonder when you'll be back,
I wonder what family's all about.

One tree, two,
Three trees, then four.
I can't keep it in any longer,
I never did before.

And my ritual begins again
As a gasp emerges from me.
Then the tears make their entrance
Falling on my hands, softly.

The usual words of
"Please don't go, Daddy!"
Plague the silence of the car,
Save the engine humming subtly.

It happens every time
You have to leave again.
I don't think I'll ever
Get over this empty pain.