when was it

remind me again

what happened

because i forget.

when was it

he threw you

down the stairs

and kicked you

in the side?

when did we leave home

and how long was the drive?

when were you lost,

in need of shelter,

and the door was locked

to you?

when was

that neglect?

when did she

pull the plug

on leaving him

and why?

when was it

we had no food and

when did i go

to fetch water

for the soiled toilet—

where was that?

when did i hear

her yelling in pain

from the blows—

and at what time

that night was i kept

from stabbing him?

when did you leave

and return

and leave again—

and how long

did i ache,

fatherless?

when did i

jump on the bed

and when did he

slap my face senseless?

when did he drink

and when did he stop?

was i there then?

where am i now,

still without you?

when did these tears start

and when will they stop?

when will i see you again?

when will I see you again?

when

and

where

is this ache?

…………………

when was it

by troy cady