Monster In The House

These people live amongst us.

I cower in my bedroom, as quiet as a mouse,

As anger and hatred roar through the house.

My mother's soft pleading almost sounds like a song,

She's begging forgiveness though she's done nothing wrong.

Her voice gets louder, from crying to shrieking,

He's no longer shouting as his fists do the speaking.

Oh, he'll be sorry tomorrow when he sees all her bruises,

He'll blame drink, he'll blame her, he's good at excuses.

I know it's all my fault, we can't run away,

“A boy needs his father” is what they all say.

But I don't need this terror, I'm shaking with fright,

And I pray he forgets I exist for tonight.

But my prayers go unanswered, I turn, see him stand,

At the door of my bedroom, his belt in his hand....

Reviews

[andrew mitchell]

Not a pleasant but excellent poem on the harsh realities of the abused and how they have to suffer often in silence

[Mick Burke]

Thanks Andrew.