A Girl Named Susan 
Barbara Foulks 

Black-eyed Susan did not stay home, 
The smell of alcohol was much too strong, 
Bruised, 
Battered, 
hurting everywhere, 
She slept under the bridge, 
Snuggled in a false bag of safety, 
Just a smidge. 
She’s not sure what she did, 
She’s not sure of the reasons, 
All lie when they say it is 
Only a season. 
Purple and blue, 
Yellow and green, 
Colors that run 
But can’t hide in the sun. 
All pretend they don’t see 
And nothing is done. 
Memories of the punches flash 
Through her tortured mind. 
One, two, three, 
Hot rage in a fist, 
Four, five, six, 
She lost count of the hits, 
Til he left her behind 
And the numbness was kind. 
Help me please! 
Help him please! 
Help us! She screamed. 
I hate him. 
I hate me. 
I need to be free. 
But I remember love once 
Did hug me.