You Must Have Heard

I am sure by now you must have heard

That your mother washes her hair with salt

To rid herself of your fathers stench

She sleeps on one side

Because her ribs have been cracked.

Your mothers legs have been bent

From birthing too much,

          they said.

You must have heard

That she forked herself

To rid her last child of your fathers
           name.

I am sure by now you must have heard

Your mother screaming at night

When he comes home and he hogs her breath

          Don’t you know?

She wishes you had her surname.