A Crying Shame

A poem I wrote, after witnessing a child abuse victim in a supermarket. I subsequently called social services to report what I had seen, and where.

Child in a grocery store,

Hair matted, clothes torn

She clings to a filthy teddy bear

Seeking protection

From cuts and sores

That encompass her flesh.

Barely twelve

Eyes red and swollen

They read like a book

The story of her life

Where were the tea parties?

Dolls and ballet?

Lessons she dreamed of?

Obliterated, burned into Obscurity

With the sting of a cigarette

Melting her lily-white skin

Dreams replaced

With assurance of worthlessness

"lazy, stupid, ugly"

comforts Mother Dear

Come cuddle with me

On your bed of thorns

And let me sing a lullabye

To guide you in your life...

I'll teach you all the basics

Of hatred, pain, and strife

Reviews

[Coyote Poetry]

A sad lullaby.
"comforts Mother Dear
Come cuddle with me
On your bed of thorns
And let me sing a lullabye
To guide you in your life...
I'll teach you all the basics
Of hatred, pain, and strife"
You create sad place and vision with your words. Thank you for sharing the excellent poetry.
Coyote

[Nirupama.H]

A very powerful piece! Loved the last paragraph...the apt use of words made the poem very impactful.
You've done a good deed by reporting the crime. God bless 😇

[Trisha Logan Hillery]

Thank you Nirupama, I appreciate the feedback. Bless you also.

[Cobblestone Traveler]

Powerful imagery. The pain and the anger really come across. Nice work!

[Trisha Logan Hillery]

Thanks very much, I appreciate the input.