They Missed None - August 2007 Poem by Marlon Harvie

Your blood and mine, created two,
My face, my nature – in both, bred true,
I made a promise so long ago,
Our fights are ours - they’ll never know.

Instead you have this need to fight,
Sometimes taking days and nights.
Pointless invective and abuse,
Attempt to reason? – it’s of no use.

I refuse to do it while they’re near,
Your anger mounting, judgment unclear,
Your need to fight, so very strong,
It consumes you up - it’s all so wrong.

In full-view, or behind close doors,
With a reason or without cause,
You continue on to yell and scream,
Destroying my promise - my life and dream,

The torment felt from long ago,
I, the child, watching the show,
I refuse to be drawn into this hate,
My love for them - by far, too great.

Suddenly it’s all too much,
Fuelled by hate you act as such,
This time you now have made it clear,
Your choice to fulfill - my only fear,

To refuse a father of his own sons,
To miss their triumphs, tears and fun,
Because you cannot stand my sight,
They will suffer - your hate and spite.

As I consider the love we shared,
My mind replays the hurt you dared,
To inflict on me, as they watched on,
Small eyes, small ears – but they missed none.