Shame you left me to the nightmares of a dark room in an attic. you left me to the shadows of a ghost I could not see. you left me there to shiver and to crouch in silent places when all the world I'd ever known had gone away from me. you left me with a memory and the image of your face. you left me with the fear of death that I could not erase. you left me when I needed you when I was only three when all the world I'd ever known had gone away from me. you left me without warning without telling me good-bye. you left me without saying that you loved me when I cried. you left me in the shadows of a child I could not find when all the world I'd ever known had left me far behind. you left me for a shot of booze a line of coke but more you left me in the dark of night when I was only four. you left me by myself to find a way to stop the fear, when all I ever wanted was for you to be so near. and now I'm standing oh so tall so daring and so proud that I have made myself a world where you are not allowed. a world that is free of pain where little children play against the dark room shadows of a ghost I cannot name.