Therfore, I Cry

I wake afraid, therefore I cry
not knowing why he would lie
to me and my dear mother
for saying he cared for us.

But when he comes in late again
like tonight, when he starts shouting;
"Why is the supper not served?
and you, without a gown on."

We know he has been drinking
but before we can run away
he staggers and grabs my arm
while he takes off his belt,

to beat me to the ground
as my mother screams at him;
"You maniac, leave my boy alone
or I will, call the Sheriff."

Before I realize what is happening
he punches me in the face,
swings around and holds my mom
to throw her to the ground,

where I hear her desperately pleading
"Jack, no not again, you're insane."
I am afraid, I'm only eight
but somehow I find the courage,

to hit him on the head
with the chair in my hand
over and over and over again
until he lets my mom go,

for us to hold each other
to run for the front door
shouting to the neighbor for help
to lock us in the garage.

Today we moved to another town.
The Sheriff arrested my father
who knows, he will be divorced
and warned not to come home.

I'm older now, but still remember
images of him in the dark,
saying!" Son I am so sorry."
But still searching to find me
and punish me for running away.