(29) Tears In The Dust

Protect the children for they are our future.

Small boy huddled in a corner

He will never question why

He did not dishonour his father

But that did not stop the black eye



Little baby all battered and beaten

Can not hide away being bruised

Mother can not stop her drinking

But the baby should not be abused



Young girl is daddys' pride and joy

She worships him, no one can know

Makes her protect his little secret

Does not listen when she says no



I look down, crying tears in the dust

In that dust my tears glisten

Knowing that children do not deserve this

Hoping, out there, people will listen




copyright Chris Smith 2009

Reviews

[Rachel]

the form is very symbolic, I don't know if you meant it that way, but it seems that the four stanzas and four lines in each represent the same mundane terror of the childrens' everyday lives. Most of the imagery is stunningly powerful yet simplistic and even thought the content is powerful enough, this makes the poem stronger and passionate beyond just simple words. Impressive. Saddening and yet hopeful at the end, this read was riveting.

[Sweet & Tender Hooligan]

Abuse and cruelty of all kinds is terrible. A powerful piece that I can relate too. And a straight to the point, simple and thought provoking message.

[Pebbles]

powerful piece Chris - we all need to keep our eyes open to the children who need help

[fargone]

something that we should always be aware of and that persists everywhere. well written chris.

[Liz]

Child abuse is awful. ALL forms of abuse are awful, very cruel and ungodly.
Your words spoke out powerfully in this piece.