Have you Ever?

Have you ever
Lived in fear
That you will suffer
For the actions of others
People that you never met
Never spoke to and
Never knew?
I do.

Have you ever
Lived in fear
That your life will be ruined
By someone close to you
That you can never have friends
Because of HIS problem?
I do.

Have you ever
Lived in fear
That your life will never
Be your own?
That you'll always be owned
By someone you love
And never be free?
I do.

Have you ever
Stayed up all night
To make sure that your family
Ends up all right?
To ensure that the young ones
Stay fast asleep
And that your sister and father
That night do not meet?
Have you ever breathed the fumes
Of alcoholic breath
When he's leaning over you
Scaring you to death?
Did you ever want a Christmas
Where everything went right?
Where you don't have to listen to the screaming
Ripping through the night?
I do.

Have you ever
Just wanted love
With no criticism or flaws
With no remarks 'bout paying board
Or doing some more chores.
Just love.
I do.

2001 evk