Mercy

MERCY
Fear like a knife cuts to the bone by the bullies in my school
The threat of violence makes me their fool
Sneaking to class, tracked down by that pair of feral dogs
The Tomlin boys, Bob and Todd, laugh at my sobs
I’m pushed in the john; friends look away as if nothing matters
Like roaches in the light, everyone scatters
Foul water rushes down my throat; I gasp for breath
Just another school day, another brush with death
Have mercy, Have mercy
I hide ‘til the darkness securely blankets my way home
And steal through the alley, shapes and shadows unknown
Passing by the Tomlins’ lair, I hear their Daddy shout
I trip over the trash can, whisky bottles fall out
Through the window’s glass I see Bobby’s eyes begin to tear
From the oh, so familiar grin, that terrifying sneer
Todd is held frozen in place, I watch his trembling shoulders
He cowers from the venom, Daddy’s words never colder
Have mercy, Show mercy
I swallow hard and cross the yard, make my way to their back door
Ring the bell, interrupt their hell, the brothers’ spirits soar
With suspicious bloodshot eyes their Daddy fills the doorway
I say: “Please Mr. Tomlin, can your boys come out and play?”
Bob and Todd crash the door, their one chance for escape
And say: “Daddy, don’t wait up, we’ll be home late.”
Three boys share knowing looks running down the path
To rid their world of violence, to put an end to wrath
Oh, rid their world of violence, and put an end to wrath
Have mercy, Show mercy, Find mercy, Give mercy, Oh