Fathers

Hitler was beaten by his father

Compensating mother was too soft

Neither helps a child to grow up healthy

He lives with fear has no esteem

Then nothing stops the rot

 

Sutcliffe was beaten by his father

A drunken alcoholic it is said

Retreated into self became a loner

Then blew a fuse

Hit women on the head

 

Neilson was beaten by his father

Made to cook and clean and keep the house

Felt the world against him took to robbing

Tragic kidnap his final heartless grouse

 

In this sense Auden’s words are true

Evil done to us will have its say

Suppressed maybe one day comes into view

And others now will feel its long delay

 

Brian Fahy

14 October 2021