In hardship and poverty she was raised,
Her determination to succeed being praised,
By her devoted and caring "Dad",
While her mother was going slightly mad.

At nine years of age her parents divorced,
And to live in squalor she was forced.
Her room mates the rats that ran through the house,
And head lice that fell on her blouse.

Blessed with a voice gifted to few,
She entertained on stage, it's true.
Her step father having other ideas she knew,
Spurned his advances as she grew.

By the age of twelve she was becoming a star,
Her earnings supported the family by far.
With her mother now drinking to excess,
Her concern she started to express.

She discovered her "real" father by chance,
When a stranger approached at a dance.
Her mother explained that during an affair,
She was conceived at the foot of a stair.

She married her childhood sweetheart,
Having a child before growing apart.
Then destiny intervened telling her it wasn't too late,
And as sure as fate she found her future soul mate.

With her beloved family in tow,
She was fast becoming star of the show.
From hardship and poverty she came,
Her destiny now is celebrity and fame.

Written & (c) John McKay Withey 2008