At twelve I was kicked out of school
Got pregnant because I was a fool
From home my parents threw me out
Better of dead than the shame, they did shout
Pre-maturely a baby girl was born
Soon after she died and inside I was torn
Work I did try so hard in getting
Cleaning, washing and even farming
Many doors were banged on my face
Thank God they didn’t have mace
For food in my mouth and clothes on my back
Had to do only thing I got the knack
Someone told me it’d be easier in town
Left the village carrying a paper bag with one gown
For a roof over my head, a place to dwell
Got pimped, doped and beaten up well
A couple of times over and over got raped
The pain and humiliation not to feel I got doped
The wam bams another pregnancy they brought
As using protection was hardly a thought
Guilt and sad memories deep in my soul did dive
Had to do anything to keep this one alive
Still very sore from delivering
Had to go earn instead of bickering
Some even back entry they wanted
Ugly, fat, dirty, short, on me they all panted
Some wanted no protection
Desperate I was so didn’t think of infection
Another baby soon made its way
For me it was indeed another sad day
My babies constantly crying and hungry
Which made me more desperate and angry
Ashamed of my life I was and I am
But I already am too deep in the swirling dam
No-protection and back entry were my middle name
The virus I got, all in the name of the game
No money for a healthy diet or medication
Lost weight, my looks and gained alienation
Wanted to die, wanted to take my life
But how about my babies as I am nobody’s wife
Got to live for my babies, got to keep alive
Please, let me live at least until the last is five
Another trade I quickly had to learn
As my regulars I could hardly pen
Gate-crashing big parties I became a pro
I would borrow a nice dress and not look like a ho
I would see a handbag, camera or cell phone,
Sell it for bread and some milk or even get a loan
Terrified of getting caught and beaten I’d always pray
I know even jail I would face for it was the price to pay
With my sickness I knew wouldn’t last in a cell
But my babies need food so my soul I would sell
Its midnight and I have made nothing all day
My babies have only had water I’m ashamed to say
I see many cars at the Royal Palm Hotel
Must be a concert or wedding for someone big I can tell
I see some have started leaving
To their posh cars they are heading
Perfect time to make my way inside
No securities around, to break my stride
Inside I can get if quietly I sneak
Won’t be noticed if I don’t make a squeak
I see phones, camera and bags everywhere
To eat I must get one or at least a pair
Oh that lady puts a phone in a black bag
And a camera she shoves in and puts out a fag
Don’t know what that other thing is but who cares
That’s a goodie bag that will get me some food shares
God forgive me, but there is no other way
To take it I must or my babies and I will die in a day
Living the bag with friends to watch it over
She’s gone across the hall maybe to see a lover
Oh, her friends are getting up to go dance
No waitresses, no security, this is my chance
Thank you, I know now my babies will be
I can grab the handbag and now flee