My hiding place..

As I hear the car
Roar into the drive
I start to weep
I try desperately to stop
But the fear
Flowing from my eyes
Is uncontrollable..

He slams open the door
And yells fiercely at mommy
His words sound funny
And I know he has
Had way too much to drink
I curl my little fingers into fists
And beg myself to stop crying..

I know that if he finds me
I will be in for another beating..
So I scramble under my bed
And sit as still as can be..
This is my sanctuary,
My hiding place..

He storms up the stairs
And shoves open the door
He calls my name
In a haunting tone
Calling me, mocking me..

And then his face appears
That terrifying face
That has so many times
Beaten me until I was black and blue..

His pupils are whirling around
In his crazy eyes
And his face is a stunning purple
He grabs my delicate wrist
And pulls me out..

"No, daddy, please"
I wail, frozen with fear..
My mother runs in
And screams at him once more
"Leave her alone!
Don't you dare touch her!"

He turns round and hits her
A strong hard blow
And she falls to the floor
With a heavy thump..

Then he turns back to look at me
His eyes flaming with anger..
He picks me up and hurls
Me against the wall..
The sharp noise of
Breaking bones
Fills the room
He kicks my tiny body
And leaves me lying there,
Under my bed,
My sanctuary,
My hiding place..