Paper Skin

You slammed the door

Said I was drama

"acting out"

But you were the thunder

I was ten years old on the couch

Counting the cracks

On that yellowed ceiling

Tried to stay still

So you wouldn't see me breathing

You called it love

But it felt like fear

Every "lesson" left another year

On the bathroom floor

Shaking in my skin

Daddy

I was not your mirror

I was paper skin

You called it love

But it felt like war

Every sorry slammed me to the floor again

You said

"This is how you make them strong"

But you broke your little girl with your heavy hands

You liked your drinks

Clear in a cloudy glass

Voice got sharp

When the hours slipped past

I learned your footsteps

Like a second language

Knew every board

That squeaked before the damage

I used to pray

If I became perfect

You might turn gentle

You might turn human

Now I see your shadow

Is just a small man stretched long

I am not your echo

I am my own song [crescendo]