My step dad would make fun
Of my father when out.
Pretending to drag his leg,
And joke saying "bullets stuck in my leg,
It's a bullet from colditz,
Couldn't get it out, I'm a hero"
I known my father spoke
Like he had a love affair with the army,
But I would never mock a physical
Or mental disability, or health ailment.
Not at their age and stage of life.
But my mum didn't leave
My father solely because he had a stroke
And had to quit work.
I believe this because he
Was in a dark place mentally for
All the time I knew him.
And I didn't want to see
Him anymore than I had to.
Saturday morning swim and
Grab something to eat,
Then go back home.
That was fine.
But the solicitor made it
A whole Saturday. I
Didn't feel like I had a choice.
And I put up with so much
For him. The grief I got
At home was bordering abuse.
So that's why I wouldn't stand
For excuses. I never got a straight answer.
Tell a white lie if I am
Too young to understand. That's fine.
But everyone said you were
An intelligent man.
And if my mum caused so
Much damage abandoning you,
Then I couldn't cut you out. Seeing as
I was your only child? Right?