Now I Know

blood on the wall
sliding slowly to the floor
blood framing her face
going into her eyes

leave leave little voices chanted
go away run away little lady run

a fistful of broken teeth
bloody upside down smile
a roaring angry drunk man
exploded his fist on her face

Why won't you walk out the door
he is sleeping now please go go go

Crying into her towel
nine children crying with her
Her man died that day
she was alone strangely lighter

I stayed for all of you
to make sure you will be alright
not bear the anger of a man
who was a loser with an ego

Now I know Mama stayed
because a mother's love
will always be and forever
the greatest of them all.