Disclaimer: I do not own the TMNT.

A Father's Regrets

I have always done the best that I could
To shelter you all in your early years.
I told you the monsters you saw were not real.
I just wanted to calm a child's fears.

As you grew older I saw in your eyes
Confusion, wondering if I was mistaken, or lying.
For you started to realize some horrors exist;
Sometimes, there are reasons for crying.

I know I misled you, I'm sorry, my sons
For I'm the one you trust, on whom you depend.
But please try to realize the reasons for my decisions.
There are some things a child should not comprehend.

Now you have grown, learned the truth of this world.
I made you take the hard way and discover it alone.
I had to build your confidence without hardening your hearts
So that you could survive on your own.

And so I apologize for all I have done,
For my confusing and oftentimes harsh demands.
For the battles you've lost,
And the price that it cost
To finally understand.