Have you ever woke up in the middle of the night
Hearing your mother crying
Shes crying because her husband beat her once again.
Or to see her laying on the stairs
unable to walk, seeing her legs beaten and batered.

Have you ever been woke up because you sister wet the bed
and you had to help her clean it up so she
wouldn't be hurt the next day.
or having to hide the extra sandwhiches the lady next door made
just so you could feed your sisters.

Have you ever had to go to school, always wearing long sleeves
So that noone saw the bruses and cuts.
Having to explain why you missed another week of school
so you could stay home with your mom and take care of her
After another week long drug benge

Have you ever heard the words, "It's going to be ok"
from a stranger who has never met you, taking you away
from the only life you have ever know.
Feeling like you have betrayed your true family because
You love your new life so much more than your old.

Have you ever you ever felt so let down when you go home
to your mom and see her go down the same road as before
only to return to another new life
Feeling like you hate the person who caused so much pain
But knowing your hate hurts the one person you love the most.

Have you ever had someone give up the things they love so much
So they could have something better.
Knowing that their love could save you years of tears
but leaving the feeling what did I do that you don't want me anymore
Later realizing they gave you up because they want you in thier life.

Ten years down the road, now on my own, looking back on what was
knowing that it has hurt more than anything, but made you the person
that you are today.  Knowing that as much as it all hurt at the time
you wouldn't change one thing.  Owning your life and so much more
to the one person who caused so much pain and sadness.

Have you ever?
I have.