Nostalgia:

[Leanne]

Childhood was churlish:
At the age of six, -- probably could do away with the comma
or seven it took a bow
and fucked off.
It didn't desert me
as much as it took a hiatus.
Okay, maybe it was me who was churlish.
Mother was an unpaid prostitute
with stupidity for a pimp. -- great image
I loved her like a puppy she fed
every now and then.
Her abusers were mean spirited
bastards who had kids of their own.
Beatings were commonplace
commuting from fist to fist
like a worn out speed-ball -- These lines I think have too much tell about them, though what's being said is important, so I'd suggest thinking of an idea other than "abusers" (maybe something that ties up your puppy simile?), and though I like the "commuting from fist to fist" I think the preceding line is too overt.

She cared, but not too much.
When she left,
childhood returned. -- this simple statement makes an excellent summary, but would be strengthened by more metaphorical language in the lines before it to contrast.

Oh, you said mild critique... damn, can't help myself