rosalie

i'm just waiting for the water to drain out;
then the bottom of the tub won't seem so far,
and i hope no one's around to hear me shout
when i realize the frog escaped the jar.

on the table is a dirty penny-down
to remind me of the role i play in life,
and the tepid water will not let me drown-
when you're finished, will you let me see that knife?

i'm attempting to behave the way i should,
but i'm just not old enough to act my age,
and i know that they would fix me, if they could,
but the hungry baby won't stay in her cage.

if the rusty piece of steel is in the shed,
then why can't i find the key to let me in?
i'll keep trying 'til the bruises on my head
lose their quiet ache and call their next of kin.