Ma's soul is callused
self esteem bruised
and heart numbed 
by the constant carvings
by Daddy's razor sharp tongue

He sharpened it nightly
and soaked it in alcohol
sliced open deep wounds
that left mental scars

From what I've witnessed
words hurt more than fists
His swing was a mighty one
His words never missed

I don't think he realized
just how much pain he caused
I don't think he ever cared
He just wanted to control her
with angry words
and threatening stares

I don't know
what he said last night
but that fight
really pissed Ma off

This morning 
Daddy woke up 
with a gun in his mouth
and Ma blew his tongue right off