The "functioning alcoholic"

Rotting body, failing kidneys, liver disease.
Just choose one, if you please.
All the great memories we could have
but instead I have this "functioning alcoholic" for a dad.

Mood swings, anger, frustrations every day.
Did only one thing; it pushed me away.
From bottle to bottle to being blue.
Hey, look Dad, I'm just like you!

Don't get me wrong it's not your fault.
Emotions locked into our secret vaults.
We never talked or really ever cared.
I only ever thought "It's just not fair".

I just wanted to be "daddy's little girl"
Hey remember that time with the flying squirrel?
For everything I did I looked up to you.
Even though you didn't believe me about that kangaroo.

Tickle monsters, nature walks, fresh air in our lungs.
The only good memories are from when I was young.
I know you drink, Dad, to mask your emotions
and now it seems you have this strange devotion.

We've missed out on a lot you and I
and how much more before you die?
I wish you could just pick up the phone,
tell me you miss me and to visit home.

I want you to be there when I get married.
I want you to be a grandpa before you get barried.
I want to do the simple things.
I want so much for our friendship to begin.

So how can you function if your body won't?
Maybe you realize this, maybe you don't.
If you still call this functioning, then I'll let it be.
I just wanted to show my perspective.  I just wanted you to see.