When I look back on my childhood, I wonder how I survived.
It was a miserable childhood, living in different places, at least more than five.
I had one sister and 5 brothers, but unfortunately some died
They were tragic losses but we could not stay agonized.

The man behind the bar says I think you’ve had enough
Dad shakes his fist and says
I did me bit for Ireland, just 1 more pint.
Dad always has the smell of the drink on him.

The ship pulled away from the dock
Mam vomited and it got all over us because of the breeze.
Och says Grandpa, you’re here.
Och we are, says Dad.

We stand in the queue with women in black shawls.
“Would you listen to the little Yankees”
I know when Dad does the bad thing.
Drinks the dole money away, we must become beggars now.

In November three of my family members had died,
All from different causes but each left similar feelings.
Now Dad is a drunk and Mam is a cheat, what is left here?
I tell Mam I’m leaving