Family

Where were you when I needed you?
What you didn't know
You might have guessed
But you chose to overlook
Because to see was painful
I bore your pain
Plus all of mine
While you ignored me
Where in the hell were you?

Daddy

Why do you hate me Daddy?
I'm a nice girl
I behave
I do what Mommy tells me
And I talk nice to all grown-ups
Look, Daddy
See?
I smile
I hardly ever cry anymore
But you want more
What is it you want?
I'll do anything you say
I want you to like me
Please

Twelve

One terrible night
You asked too much
I was twelve
Far too small and young
To resist
My tears burned my eyes
And my throat filled with lead
I swallowed
Until I turned into a statue
A metal sculpture
I would never
Be warm again

Parenting

Hearts of stone
In the two parents
Breeding orphans
Lost lonely kids
Grown old at five
Immature at thirty-eight

Not wanted or needed
Left at Satan's gate
Flowers don't grow
In dark closets
Kids don't feel
In the devils home

Don't laugh or cry
I'll give you a reason
Fire shines in his eyes
Master of all his kids
Fear is his crown
The strap is his robe

Tears

I was four
(Or maybe two)
I cried
Because Mother left for a luncheon
And I wanted to go too
You were there to take care of me
I cried too long
And you hit me hard
I never forgot
I hardly ever cry anymore