Why this is my Favorite Poem

This poem was written by a middle school student years ago. It is a touching description of his life. Over my twenty years of teaching, this probably is the single piece of writing that has touched me the most. I still keep it pressed between pages of my English Teachers' Edition to remind me that my students have lives away from me. I do not remember the student's name, but his poem has had a powerful effect upon my life.

Submitted by Betsy Norris, English teacher, Nashville, TN

David's Life

My name is David and I'm always sad.
It is because my parents are always mad.
They blame it on me even thought I'm not to blame.
They think their continual fighting is just a game
I wish it would stop. I wish it could end.
I wish they could get their act together once again.
Another problem is when my dad drinks beer
It is then that me and my mother fear.
I wish they would, if just for my sake, split apart
Instead of fighting so and breaking my heart.
They're always fighting and they're always yelling.
They're never talking - that's why I'm failing.
I wish they would seek help, oh surely I do
But all they ever say is, " I don't have time to listen you."
So they give me the blame and they yell at me about school
And I hope one day I can say, "I'm doing all right, it is you, you fools."
My name is David and I'm always sad.
It is because my parents are always mad.