From the corners thickly layered with dust and grime,
The pots and pans drowning in soapy foam three weeks old,
And the walls always grey, immune to any hint of sun from the outside--
I did reside.
From blatant threats, hissing words, mangled yelling, obvious taunts;
From fists thrown wide and sure under the constant drunken rage;
From the curtains of hair trying to preserve what little life
Sparked within my eyes--
I ran away.
Chained to the past by a heavy locket,
The oppressive weight of every ancestor watching me,
And green cropping up in all the little things--
From that I tried to hide.
From hanging out the window, constantly trailing
The road outside or watching from the bushes;
From the skip in the heart as he saunters by,
Always full of handsome superiority--
I yearned to thrive.

But dead snakes with a slight writhe found savage shelter on the door;
A mad brother’s cackling haunted the very night;
From duty to my father I did shrink--
I desperately wished for a better life.
Choking and spluttering; grubbing along the floor;
Sinking into the grey walls behind me;
A sharp knife through the heart as I hear those wretched words--
‘Darling. So he wouldn’t have you anyway.’

And when freedom finally beckons me,
Caution is thrown to the winds-
From brewing an urgent love potion;
From persuading him to take just a sip;
From finally taking leave and finally running away.
I come from watching his expression sour,
From having to huddle on the floor
As he walked firmly away,
And I now spiritless, a new life twisting within me.
From cobblestone alleys, frozen rain,
And crickets berating the night;
From wandering aimlessly, a dry crust of bread,
Squalor and filth still following me;
From sleepless hours of darkness, stumbling over brick and rock,
Living amongst the shadows--
I ache for death, wishing upon one little star
To finally die.