For My Ma

I used to live like a battered dog

Hiding in the corner, praying he wouldn't come back

He always did, until I stopped it all

I would not let myself die at the hands of a lunatic

Although I was so close so many times

My mothers' voice came to me

I remember what she said

The first time I was inches from death

Many years ago...

She told me that if I died that she would kill herself in grief

Those words gave me the nerve

To stand up and take the gun out of his hands

The gun that had been pointed at me for more than ten minutes

Safety off, bullet in the chamber, finger on the trigger

Ready to blow me to pieces in our bedroom

My ma saved me with those words

If it wasn't for her, I wouldn't be alive today

The unconditional love a mother gives is more than anyone can fathom