You weren’t there

Don't tell me my life has been easy

You haven't walked in my shoes
So don't just assume my feet aren't bruised

You weren't there when mom got home from the dumpster
You didn't see us jumping for joy hoping that while she was there she found us toys.  

You weren't there when dad was gone months at a time trying to send home a couple dimes.

You weren't there when he finally did come home but he couldn't play with us because his back hurt and his feet were sore

You weren't there when I was ten

Locked up in my room because girls at school laughed in my face reminding me I didn't have a thin waist

And you weren't there when my fifteen year old sister went to the hospital to deliver a child she carried for five months and got home with nothing in her hands but tissues and a teddy bear.

So don't tell my life has been easy.  

Because you weren't there when mom was finally able to afford new toys.  

She cried when she saw our eyes filled with joy

You weren't there when dad finally got to stay in town  

You weren't there when I learned my body doesn't measure my beauty

You weren't there when my sister had her first daughter.  

You weren't there when mom and dad announced they're buying a house.  

So don't tell me my life has been easy