Art can be used to understand who a person is, what they are like. But, on the other hand, sometimes you must know who the person is to get the true effect of their art. I feel that way about some of my works, especially ones concerning my father, which is only one poem up right now. Before my parents divorced about 10 years ago I had to live with an abusive alcoholic, and most of my memories of this man are of the abuse I endured. It happens to a lot of people, so don't pity me. To this day he still is convinced that I was brainwashed to believe that he abused me; he won't admit the damage he has caused to this family. I have not seen my father in 9 years, or spoken to him in 8 until recently, when he confirmed these things. He refuses to pay child support or help us financially, and because of this he has been running away from justice since my parents divorced. He wants me to believe he is a good father, and he loves me, but refuses to acknowledge both the mental and physical pain he has caused me. This is a huge part of who I am, and a huge part of the art I make. I hope this will help anyone who views my works to understand them a bit better, maybe allowing them to feel a stronger effect. Thanks to anyone who views my little part of DA, I truly appreciate it.