The Wicked Step Dad

The Wicked Step Dad

Please don’t run away he will kill you

I said it too fast I think you missed half

you’re fumbling with the window latch

my hands are sweating I can’t catch my breath

Last week he broke the mug I liked,

the one with the blue birds on it.

Now I’m standing here spitting out this stuff

and you’re just staring like I’m crazy.

Please don’t run away he will kill you

I don’t even know why I’m saying it

you push the window up and climb out

I hear your feet hit the gravel and I don’t move

I can hear him in the kitchen now

slamming cabinets like always

I hope you’re already gone far enough

I hope I didn’t just frighten you for nothing.

The door to the hall slams open,

I don’t turn around to look.

I just stay by the empty window.

watching the gravel path where you took

that first step out.

I hear your voice carry back through the rain

now you are free you escaped him

but I don’t answer, can’t explain

i am holding my breath for you.

He’s got his hand on my shoulder now

his grip tight as a vice

I keep my eyes on the road ahead

where your figure fades from sight

Now you are free you escaped him

I however am punished for the crime

yet you are safe I am glad

He shoves me against the wall

the paint chips off onto my shirt.

I don’t cry, I’m too busy looking

at the spot where you disappeared.

You let her go, he says through gritted teeth

that’s what you get for being weak

I just stare at the floorboards

at the crack where the light still leaks.

From the window you left open

the rain blows in cold on my face,

and I can almost hear your footsteps

getting farther away from this place.

My knees give out I sink to the ground

he walks off muttering something mean

but I’m not listening fixed that too I’m smiling

because I know you’re finally clean

All this mess, all this noise,

all the fear that sat in this room

you’re out there breathing fresh air

I sit here in this gloom.

but it’s okay, I’d do it again

even if this is where I stay

because now you are free you escaped him

and that’s worth every price I pay