Hands of Abuse

Inspired (enraged) by witnessing an act of child abuse

Ragged clothes
Worn out shoes
No coat to fight the cold
Momma, Daddy
No love, never care
Hungry child left alone

One parent, both
Always angry
Always yelling
Constantly criticized
Ever threatened
Child, child you are of no worth
Crying child

Hands touch
Hands probe
Doing things they shouldn�t
Scared to speak
Scared to tell
Nothing but a sexual toy
Terrorized child

Choked, shaken and thrown
Bitten and burned
Hit, slapped and beaten
Child of Pain
Child of Fear



There is no easy answer to the question of how many children in this country who are abused and neglected every year. Different agencies and states collect and analyze data using different methods. It is very likely that the statistics and the numbers of children who are abused and neglected are vastly under represented.

In this country during 2005 there were an estimated 3.3 million referrals of abuse to public social services or CPS agencies. Of this number 899,000 children were confirmed to be victims. Approximately 12 out of every one thousand children up to the age of 18 were found to be victims.

The Hands of Abuse

Reviews

[BrightEyes]

I also found the title of your book to be perfect - so true how the same hands capable of healing can cause such hurt and pain. I cannot fathom how anyone can look upon a child and hurt them - purposefully , intentionally, continually. you've brought light upon this tragedy that seems to be without end.

[emmajoy]

I've shed as many tears over this as you've used words.

What kind of world do we live in where children are treated as if they're bloodless nothings? Tragically though this uncivilised cruelty isn't only today's behaviour - many Romans behaved as inhumanely; maybe there's proof of even earlier abuse of those sweet innocents we call 'little ones'.

The manner in which you've written this poem is heartbreaking, however, what you've portrayed is true, and that's makes it even worse ... an indelible, enormous scar on the face of so-called civilisation.

An almost tentative thank you for sharing your emotion and opinion.

[Sam Freeland]

You have again shined your light on a subject that needs attention. Fiercly done and it
may inspire other writers to write less about sex and more about how the world fails
the children. When young writers can tell the world about their own mistreatment
the facts will mean even more than our dismay. Schools and young people have become
less tolerant of abuse and since they see the problem first hand, possibly they can do more.
Young people see in Obama more hope for their future. If we support anyone who will deliver
in making it better for the children, their lives will enjoy our effort.

[[untitled]]

I really love your idea held within the title of your book...brilliant actually. This first one, works exceptionally well within the form that you use [you have a knack for knowing just when to use repetition. I, as you know am exceptionally fond of your poetic work, it comes naturally to you and is immediately authentic. I am looking forward to this books upcoming chapters. Bravo to you my friend...........friend of the: "I don't know anything about poetry."

[Lily1111]

A powerfully written poem shining a light on an ugly subject.

[Ron B]

Very well written and unfortunately true.

[Sydelle Houston]

12 out of 1000? That seems low. There's more than one type of abuse: physical, emotional, sexual, marital (where the child sees the parent being abused and thinks it's normal) and let's not forget about the alcoholic or drug addicted parents who neglect those children. There's no how to guide to being a parent, however I used to think it would be a good idea to give people a test, if they fail they get a chance to take the test again but if they fail again, they don't have children. Like a driver's license.

[Wildfleour]

ShadowWolf - You may not know this about me - I am a fierce child advocate. I consider myself a very tolerant person, however, I have ZERO tolerance for anyone that harms a child (or woman, for that matter).

Excellent write. Thank you for this.