A B*TCH Named Shame

Ever since I’ve known you, you’ve been filling up my ears

With insults and convincing lies that bring my soul to tears

You come over uninvited and you sprawl out on my floor

I’m tired of stepping over you to reach my own front door

This house belongs to me and yet I let you drive me out

And stand out in the rain so I don’t have to hear you shout

I’ve looked in from the outside like a vagrant seeking shelter

And watched you vandalizing as my blood began to swelter

And all those raging parties that you threw at my expense

Inviting rapists, liars, thieves and “friends” with ill-intent

They made themselves at home and I, afraid to come inside

Lingered in the yard where all the flowers choked and died

I’ve watched you rearrange each room and I no longer see

The things that made this house a place that felt like home to me

And all these years I’ve stood out on the wrong side of this door

Believing that, without a key, this house is mine no more

But righteous rage came knocking and I saw you load your gun

And I knew then that you were making plans to fight or run

Well sister get your running shoes and put that rifle down

I’m kicking down this door to run this party out of town!

There’ll be no one left standing to protect you from the truth

From there, I’ll drag you up the stairs and throw you from the roof

But not before I mark you so that all will know your name

“Here lies a double-crossing B*TCH, but you can call her SHAME.”

by Karen Davis King