Autumn had stolen all the leaves
all day I held you close to me
nights you passed beneath her sheets
as I lay awake with gritted teeth
bandaging scars gently
Silence held its forceful grip
tightly pressing on my lips
softly smothering my soul
with the weight of harboring burning coals
Child that I was, I loved you with all my heart
but misery and I were never far apart
Child that I was, I believed in all you said
how I yearn for childhood now
but my childhood is dead
Wrapped around your finger
you wore me like a prize
You laughed as I would linger
amused by the saddness in my eyes
Each time I tried to become strong
you melted me in the warmth of your arms
how I so believed you'd change
you stole too many of my days
a bird forever locked away
in a cage with doors made of shame
bolted down with self made chains
a lonely cell for the weak to stay
until courage created a flame
burning down that horrid place
still the ashes brought no smile to my face
years and years away,
I am still that bird, locked inside your cage