Mama's Battle Cry

He slapped her soft brown face: With bitter words, no embrace The house became just a place. Thirteen down the line, A catholic family out of time At night behind bedroom doors---cryin'. "United we stand," Mama cried. A hard smack from the back of his hand. "United we stand," Mama cried. We kicked him out, out. Little sister does not pout And the boys can go out. Mama can sing and dance about. "United we stand," Mama cries. But scars stain and memory never dies. Years and it's still in their eyes. "United we stand," Mama cries. And I hope we will before she dies.