i can hear you in the kitchen
i'm hoping you don't notice i stirred
i'm hoping my old metal bed didn't give me away
i hope you didn't hear my brother toss or turn
i thought maybe you had gone to work
it's too late
i hear your footsteps
as i fake sleep
please don't take out dad's belt
please don't use the wooden hanger
i'm so sorry for being stupid
i'm so sick for making you do this
i know it's my fault
for all the pain you need to inflict upon me
i know it hurts you more than me
i think we know the routine by now
i certainly know what to say to my teachers
bruises and cuts all over the parts of me that most people don't see
your wise with your whippings.
i'm wise with my yelling
and stifle them so the neighbors don't hear me
please just take it all out on me
so my baby brother can sleep through the morning
i hope i live to see the day
when i don't have to hold back screams
to assure my brother's restful sleep.
i think it's easier to count the days you haven't beat me
rather than the days you did.
