Cruelty

I cower in the corner
As I see you coming near
I looked to you for love
But it's curses I always hear.

You put me in a box all day
Beat me when I tear out.
And even when I've done no wrong
You always scream and shout.

The steel toe of your boot
Is my worst fear every day.
How could you be so cruel to me?
How could you treat me this way?

What if I was your own child
Born of your flesh and blood
Would you starve me like you always do?
Let me be crusted in mud?

I'm almost three years old now
You've had me almost two.
Will you let me live much longer?
Do I even matter to you?

As I think you're coming towards me.
Your hand balled in a fist.
And as you thrust it to my chest,
My jaw locks on your wrist.

This mistake was fatal
As you take the final blow
What would my fourth year have been like?
I guess we'll never know.