We played hopscotch

On the chalk-board gravel,

Missed the lines, said

It's too much to handle

"Liar, liar," — couldn't see the markings,

Killed the squirrel,

Now your dog ain't barking.

Guilty-sounding

Secrets but they're all true

Just keep quiet, that's what Daddy told you

I was young, you

Always acted older

Burnt our sleeves off, right up to the shoulders

Torn bandannas, aluminium soldiers,

Crumpled sheets and wires that they soldered

Mummy said to leave you to your shooting,

Door left open, had to get my boots in.

Bullets lined the carpet in your bedroom,

Sorry that I

Never could believe you.

Coward-kid, thought Father was a hero,

Saw the bruises, but I wouldn't let go.

Said he loves me better than my sister,

Torn in half, I'm scared he's gonna kill her

Maybe I could

Be a better brother,

Make him pay, I'll save you and our mother:

Creep into your shoes

And I'll call shotgun,

Fire it through his brain 'cause I'm a good son,

Dig a grave so no one ever finds him,

Haunt his ghost, I'm always right behind it

Lock me up, there's oxygen in jail cells

Twelve deep breaths, "We used to walk on egg shells."

No more hopscotch, he can never touch you.

Now you're safe;

Your baby brother loves you.