little bastard

her mother was not married
she barely knew her dad
short memories of his furtive face
were the only ones she had
10 years she said she suffered
lived with her mom away
heard bastard spoken to her face
behind her back all day
by raucous kids who felt secure
they'd taunt and chase her hope
& catch it in a bloody dish
then swing it from their rope.
she married a street fighter
from a nearby river town
who proved to be full jealous
kept her locked inside his crown
she couldn't smile to strangers
or dance with men unknown
for years his anger strangled
her love which should have grown
kids called her little bastard
cruel hurt that word dug deep
lodged in her heart forever
so sad to hear her weep.