I remember my childhood everyday I'm alive br the absentee of my parents, on my own to survive. br I remember only being nine and taking care of myself br I stole from the store, took food from the shelf. br br I remember my clothes never mine and torn br I started to feel I should not have been born. br I ate a decent meal only once a week br I never had a dad to kiss on the cheek. br br My dad was alive, but didn't pay me much mind br my mom was the boss and would smack my behind br I remember being lonely in my thoughts and my dreams br I felt my young life splitting apart at the seams. br br My mom was as cold as any degree you have felt br if it wasn't her way, she would break out the belt br I remember after a while not feeling the pain br of the belt, the hunger no clothes or the shame. br br I remember the things that happened so clear br now I'm all grown up it seems to appear br I now have a son who means the world to me br I will show him how much fun life is supposed to be.br br Anthony E.