Help

Walk down the street
My head held high
Careful steps move quickly and confidently across the sidewalk
Never let them see you shaking deep down inside

The man who might as well be my brother
Turns his eyes away from my inquiring gaze
Says its not a big deal and changes the subject

I know his world is one of fear
And a hatred so deep it keeps him silent
I watch his mother drink beer after beer
And ride home with a man our family doesn’t trust

Walk into their house and feel the tension of a distant fight
See the boy I grew up with ready to kill
A look I know
Has to do with his mother’s heavy make-up.

Swagger a little on the street
I own this world
Smirk, a look of confidence
When deep down inside I want to escape

Come home on a warm summer’s night
The dogs are outside on the porch
They run excitedly to the car
We’re home

Home to a house with the backdoor broken open
Change jar missing
Medications gone
I guess they knew what they wanted

I know what I want as I saunter down the street
Hips swaying to my silent anthem
Escape from here, from this place.