My Dad

Every night I get beat.
it's a daily routine.
whipped, punched
and a kick to the spleen.

My father makes it known
he never wanted me.
He does it with his fists,
he loves to watch me bleed.

I can hear my brother
weeping behind the door.
He knows he'll be next,
but for god's sake, he's only four!!

At school I pretend
that I have the perfect life,
that I live in a nice house,
my brother, father and his beautiful wife

I hide the bruises,
make excuses for the scars.
I pretend nothing happens
when my dad returns from the bars.

I know it won't be long
until someone finds out
but until that time comes,
I'll put up with it, no doubt.