Hush

This is the story
you're not supposed to tell
the old twisted story
you're not supposed to know
dirty family secrets
not seen in scrapbooks

Blush over bruises
glasses cover blackeyes
Shame folded into her soul

No nightlight in dark room
hands tearing away his breath
and his little boy clothes

Finger down her throat
can't get it all out
can't be perfect

Always outside looking in
never more than the brunt
cold razor on wrists

Hospital bed that they whisper
he deserves for loving those
who should be shunned

Wrong skin color can't change
wrong accent can't hide
wrong life can't live

These are the stories
that don't get told
the old tired stories
that no one wants to hear
Don't look back
let your tongue be silent

Don't make waves
Don't rock the boat
Don't embarrass us

Get on with your life
Get over it
Get out

Forget what
you can't change
Don't remember
what's past
Bury the words
burning in your throat

These are the stories
that sometimes get told
and the world ends
and we all fall down
but we get up --

we get up
and fly into the sky

Copyright 2004. All rights reserved.