Savage Gods Poem by Joyce Rugg

Back away on shaking legs
When the leather belt comes off
Cracking through the air, a whip,
To land on red, welted skin

Waking up to face the day,
Dark words branded on a soul
Unfair accusations fly,
Each one has a razor edge

Too young, don't know what's going on,
A protector? but it hurts
While mommy's drunk in slumber
Your daddy comes out to play

Time goes on, the pain retreats
Nothing hurts you anymore
Too late, the damage is clear
In icy, scar-covered veins