faded memories

this faded photo reminds me so much of a person i never knew

it was taken 20 years before i was born

i see a face full of hope and happiness

i never knew that part of you

all i can remember is a woman struggling to make ends meet

a hard working woman doing a mans job

raising 5 kids alone

you weren't always alone

i remember him

what a bastard

all i ever did was make him mad

but he didn't take his anger out on me

he looked to you to express his feelings

i'm the one responsible for your shattered face

you never cried when he hit you

you just told me you loved me

every hit - every crack - every bruise

you were my angel

you stood there outside my school with a smile on your face

all i remember is taking your hand and walking to a new home

we never saw him again

now i sit here staring at you, eternally asleep

in a better place

you created a kingdom out of poverty

fly away my angel

go back to that faded photo

smile for me again