Childhood Memories

Yes.. I am happy.
Yes.. I am cheerful.
Yes.. I have bad days too.

But it seems as if no one actually knows,
Just what really lies,
Behind these fragile eyes.

I must be strong,
I must stand tall,
I must not cry.

Its not that I want to hide,
Its just what I saw everyday,
Of my growing life.

What did I see you ask?
A lot if you ask me.
Some things.. that a child should not see at all.

A father that didn't care,
A mother that struggled for her life,
And a brother.. that took the beatings.

I was only a child,
Barely learning things,
And yet... these are my childhood memories.