A Woman's Role

Dad staggered in, eyes eerily lit.
the corners of his mouth foaming spit
His demons planned an over night stay
Mom motioned to take the girls away

Hide them in their rooms, safe in there beds.
We closed the doors, covered our heads
As if blankets could mute the sounds of his blows
Or we could silence her screams beneath our pillows

I hugged the littlest ones close to my chest
till the beat of my heart lulled them to rest
Only then did i let myself cry
Only then did i let myself wonder why

Mom didn't fight back, didn't defend,
didn't confess to family or friend.
Had dad's demons claimed her soul?
Or was this, as well, a woman's role?

------------------------------------------------------------
i found this and thought about some of the things that happen in life, some that no one knows about.
------------------------------------------------------------