They Can Tell(Child Abuse) Poem by Tracy Rollings

There was a day, I can remember good
sitting on the bed, watching the t v
you came in my room, with a piece of wood
said you had something, to teach me.

I didn't say anything, cause you didn't care
you say I was wrong, for the things I said
you started beating me, but no one could hear
hit the floor hurting so bad, then i wished i was dead.

I ended up at the hospital that night, but couldn't talk
you beat me so bad with that stick, that I couldn't say
with the bruises and knot's on my legs, I couldn't walk
the doctor's there told you, that I needed to stay.

But I ended up back home, in the same old shape
I laid there in the bed, for more than a week
and every night you came home, acting stupid as an ape
drunk out of your mind, but quiet as mice i didn't squeak.

So I made back to my feet, got ready for school
so I started out the door, hoping to catch the bus
you stopped me before I left and told me the rule
better keep my mouth shut and keep it between us.

Well I did what you said and didn't say a word
so I just went on about it, like nothing was wrong
the doctor called the school and they already heard
I gave you note, knew this night was going to be long.

I tried to tell the teacher, that what happen was I fell
the tales that I told, just to protect you was insane
people that was looking at me, knew I lived in hell
and there was nothing I could do, to hide all the pain.