Matrimony

by Victor Harrison


it's ruthless at home when the father's a bum,
for his love should not lie in a bottle of rum.
it's ruthless at home when the mother is bruised
and a fall from the stairs is the only accused.
it's ruthless at home when the love they once had
is vanquished like magic, like a whimsical fad.
it's ruthless at home when the children can't sleep,
kept up by the screams of demons mom keeps.
it's ruthless at home when an eight year old boy
does not know how to fall in love with his toys.
it's ruthless at home when daddy's in bed,
and it's not with mom, but with his mistress instead.
it's ruthless at home when mommy must cry
and search in her soul for the power to try.
it's ruthless at home when The Love is not owned;
it's ruthless at home when they're both all alone.