Only son

He often heard her cries.
 
That sweet young boy, what a kid.
 
He always saw the bruises on mommies eyes.
 
He hated dad for what he did.
 
He wanted to stand up and shout.
 
But he knew this would do no good.
 
He wanted to say leave her alone, just get out!
 
He bit his tongue and did what he could.
 
Hearing dad say he loved him felt like tongue and cheek.
 
He wished for once, dad wouldn't hurt mother.
 
He hated himself for being so weak.
 
The boy knew he and ma loved each other.
 
He cried to her and wanted to be stronger.
 
He didn't want mom to be crying.
 
He decided he couldn't take it any longer.
 
He knew inside she was slowly dying.
 
Mama explained to him that night.
 
She didn't love dad but he gave her a son.
 
He knew what dad did would never be right.
 
He also knew where dad kept his gun.
 
Mom said everything will change tonight
 
She told the boy that she had a plan.
 
He listened wanting to help for her sake.
 
He was ready to grow up and be a man.
 
What they didn't know was that dad was awake.
 
He had heard enough.
 
He knew all that was said.
 
"So son you think your tough"
 
"You put him against me and he wants me dead?"
 
The boy got a fire in his eyes, bright as the sun.
 
He lunged at his dad they both got violent.
 
Mom lifted her hands holding the gun.
 
In a second it was done, all was silent.
 
Only to be broken by their dogs bark.
 
The room began to stir.  
 
Outside came the sound of a lark.
 
She knew he would never hurt her.
 
Then she looked down.
 
An awful sound filled her ears.
 
Her smile sank into a frown.
 
Her laughter had turned to tears.
 
"Oh god, what have I done"
 
She let out a mournful cry.
 
"I have killed my only son"
 
"I only wanted an end to the violence"
 
She allowed one last tear to dry.
 
Another bark,another bang, then silence