STRANGER IN MY HOUSE
© 2000 William Livesay

Stranger in my house
The mark of lost control upon my face
Stranger in my house
Who gave him the right to take my place
A woman's life is surely sweet
With a lover at her feet
And she's in need of something more
So who was I to feel ashamed
Or interfere with mothers day
I'll just wait outside the door

Stranger in my house
Never cross the line he said as I was falling
I had to cross the line to breathe
God help me if I sneezed
The hand of fate would strike me down
When my face produced a frown
Or any time he felt the need
To confront a mothers son
Whose dreams had come undone
As years go passing sight unseen

I dare not even sleep… his spirit follows me
Haunts me in my dreams
There's a heaving in my chest… I wake up drenched in sweat
Is it a warning I should heed

Stranger in my house
Little else is known because my thoughts are scattered
Stranger in my house
I'm picking up the pieces to a life he shattered
Abuse is more than just a word
Neglect is something so absurd
Children just don't understand
If only something had been said… for love I would have bled
Or any kindness close at hand