The Other Child

Under the same roof

But in different homes

Same plate of food

But only one of us is satisfied

Enclosed in the same walls

But not all of us are warm inside.

I take all my beatings lying down

Stick my head into the ground

Cover all the vital parts of me

Hands over my head, and I don't scream

I say please, sorry, thank you

It's the least I can do

For being the burden upon you

Better the vermin, that scurries along the ground

Without questioning why it is there

Than to be shoved mercilessly out of your chair.

Better to drown in the sea

and know exactly why you can't breathe 

Than to dive in the safety of your bed, struggling for air...