Burnt DNA

I can't remember what it is that you say,

just that I wish I didn't have to stay.

Your words burn holes through me

I'm not sure if you remember what it is that you say,

not as the liquor burns through your stomach.

Do you sit and wait,

strategise how you press your barbed words deep into my wounded flesh?

Do you love me, father?

Sometimes I wonder if you remember that I am your daughter.

You can throw me back into the corner as you see fit,

I will only want to burn the hurt that you inflict.

I can't remember who it is that I am,

just that I want to burn this trembling, scared child inside.

She can't remember what it is that you said and done,

she just wants to run into your arms as the scared child that she is.

She carries your blood, I carry your burnt DNA.

Father, can you remember it?