There's Something Very Wrong Here..
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There's something very wrong here - if we looked we'd have to see,
The nightmare she exists in - her screaming, silent plea.
How is it we ignore her - change the subject, and refrain?
Pretend that all is well, when, clearly - it's insane.
Look deeper she implores us, eyes stretched wide and pleading,
She wonders why we turn our backs, leave her raw and bleeding.
She's frightened and in danger, working so hard to be good,
Why won't her parents love her - the way that parents should?
There's something very wrong here - if we listened we would hear,
The unspeakable things her soul absorbs - the damage too severe.
Home a place devoid of love - where exists no hope, no reason,
To speak such words aloud she knows - would be tantamount to treason!
Look deeper, she begs us silently, lips drawn thin and tight,
She wonders how we turn our backs, when she's too small to fight.
Her crime is of being born here - it's the twisted, ugly truth,
It's not any way a little girl should have to spend her youth.
There's Something Very Wrong Here..
She sees that we won't help her, resigned now to her life,
Where love and hope are absent, yet fear and pain are rife.
Total silence now her hallmark - near invisible to all,
She is but one of legions, so voiceless and so small.
Children should be joyful - curious and free,
Knowing they're secure and loved - on this we all agree.
We can never turn away again - to do nothing is abhorrent,
We could have made a difference - and saved this girl her torment!
The End
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Growing up, my dad and his siblings were all abused, so this really hits home.
So very powerful. What a great poem, what a profound truth.
It is 5:45 A.M. as I sit here with my first cup of coffee, numbed by your words. As the father of 3 adult daughters, I can not imagine ever hurting them with words or actions. You have written a very powerful poem, my friend.
Is there no end to this girl's talent???
Brilliant - I'm so proud of ya!
@Phillydreamer: Thanks J! Got tired of you nudging me..nudge nudge...nudge nudge..xx
@Sonner28: but not you? Your father grew up to be a fine man as many that are abused - 'SOONER' or later - find themselves the abuser! Thanks for the read!
@pagesvoice: Dennis - Thanks sooooo very much. Now you know what i was doing yesterday when i didn't read your article! LOL! i was agonizing over THIS! It hurt to write..it hurts to read..
@Dazzlejazz: You da best, J! All shiny, and sparkly, and Jazzy! Who loves ya, baby?
I love it. Very touching. Children deserve to be loved.
Wow! So beautifully written but so sad. It's reality...that's what makes it sad. Thank you for sharing. Maybe this will wake up some people in the meantime.
very very very good
@williamLRobb: Why, thank you sir!
Shattering! And very well executed. I will Facebook it and Tweet it and Google+ it. I know adults who went through this as children. Thanks for moving us.
OUTSTANDING young lady! Powerful, moving, sad, reality, and needs to be changed. VERY well done. How anyone can physically as well as mentally abuse their own flesh and blood children still astounds me. Can anyone say "parent pinata"? And look...I have ticket #1. I guess I'm first on the "how do YOU like it jackass?" line. Where's the bamboo stick?
Realistic expression of a naked truth.
@FyrFytr234: some would say that violence begets violence - but in this case - i'm with You!
@WrathWarbone: So do I, Wrath...so do i...
As time goes on, I'm losing my patience as far as violence and crime are concerned. I know that "return violence" isn't always the answer...but sometimes it is! Especially when it comes to the elderly, children, and those in general are the most vulnerable and not able to defend themselves.
I was Hub Hopping and found your poem. It's hard to believe you've been here for such a short time. You must have been writing for years to produce a work as touching and telling as this.
Welcome, and surely I will be seeing you around on the top hubs lists!
Great poem. So many people tend to ignore their cries for help they never stop to think that it could have been them.
Very moving. Has me wondering what stirred you to write it. Surely you have been thinking some deep thoughts lately, ImKarn!
@poohgramma: I am blown away by your kind words! When I chatted with Phillydreamer last night on fb - i told him i wasn't going to submit it. You're always welcome gramma - I'll roll out the red carpet! btw 'pooh' (winnie? comes from my city of 'Winnipeg')
@MichaelJRapp: Not lately, Michael. Phillydreamer stirred them up with his subject matter for the challenge - the first time i've ever done anything like this! Gotta admit - it wasn't easy to write and i slept for hours after it was done..lol
@FyrFytr234: I have to agree. Unfortunately. Does it make me a bad person to just want to beat the living crap out of these people??? maybe do to them what they do to defenseless kids? If i am - i don't care!
This is brilliant - so moving and touching. You are obviously a very accomplished poet and you're using your talent in the right way to highlight wrongs. Well done. If I could suggest just one little thing. Lose the bold text. You don't need it. Your words are powerful enough to stand on their own.
@Melchius: I appreciate the compliment, MrM! Honestly, I am the furthest thing from a poet (ask Philly), but, this topic moves me! I'm so glad you took something from it and ask you to share so others might. This is beyond important, and yet..
Wow! You have the gift alright, that was powerfully delivered the resonance of your words and images was surreal, just so heart hitting and that’s because its so real, kind of makes you feel sick in away for ever forgetting that these poor children are out there and going through all this.
Thanks for the wake up call because it should be a priority that none of us should ever forget!
Voted up and tweeted, you’re a fantastic writer that I have now had the privilege of being impacted by, so thank you…
As a former foster parent, I have seen the faces and looked in the eyes of children who are too small to yell for help. One case in particular was two sisters (2.5 and 1). They were brought to us at night on an emergency basis. If we had been at war I could understand the look on their faces but we were not at war here. Their cheeks were sunk in, eyes bigger than they should have been (or so it seemed). When we fed them, they would put their hand on a piece and then quickly look around as if to see if someone was going to take it from them and the just as quickly put the food in their mouth. They repeated this process until the food was gone.
My heart went out to them. My ire went to the family who did this to them. I so wanted to be able to help heal their wounds. The 2.5 year old felt safe enough with us to start having screaming fits every night and was secure in the knowledge that I would not let her go until she was finished. However, for the sake of my two children (ages 1.5 and 6 months) we had to move them to another home. This time, however, they had smiles on their faces, full cheeks, eyes the right size and did not fear that their food would disappear if they did not eat it quickly.
Foster care is full of children who have been abused one way or another. Some parents claim they did nothing wrong, while others will admit what they did and try hard to learn how not to do it again.
@ladyauthor47: Goosebumps rose as i read this, lady! You are an amazing human being for taking those kids on - it's hard to not want to manually 'shake' some sense into some of the adults in this world! I'm going to think that those 2 little girls grew up strong and healthy, to become fierce advocates against that which caused them to be passed around like butter at the dinner table in the first place! Thanks for taking the time!
@markbennis: And, thank you, sir! Thank you for the kind words AND thank you for tweeting and sharing. I do the same for any article(or hub..lol) on this topic. It costs nothing, and, omg - it's gotta be in people's faces or...ya know..
This is one of the best poem I have ever read in Philly's poetry challenge.
The eternal sadness wrapped me but then I remembered the beauty of composition.
@VinayaGhimire: I am speechless! thank you Vinaya!
Powerful and moving! You have portrayed this very well.
Very touching. We need the wisdom, not just as parents to listen to kids and hear what they are not saying.
For some they will say, for some it reflects in their eyes, for some, their behaviour.
Thanks for writing this. It will make us more vigilant.
To: ImKarn . . .Wow. Moving. Touching. Bold. Heart-splitting truth . . .a beautiful hub.
Voted up and away. Keep it up. Love your style.
Kenneth
@Kennethavery: Thanks for the support, kenneth! Much appreciated!
@ ImKarn, you, dear friend, are WELCOME. Never wonder who is at your back, for "I" have your back. Keep up this fine work.
Your Phantom Friend,
Kenneth
So fantastic, my lovely friend. You sure rose to the challenge in such a remarkable way. I was engrossed from start to finish - and then I read it again and again. You are amazing.
I finally put one up today. A bit late for the deadline - but it's UP!!
So, so sad, because it is so true...
The way you wrote was so beautiful, it made me cry.
Thank you for reminding us all of things we´d prefer not to think about.
You did a great job here.
@Dimflaxenwick: Thanks so much for those kind words! It wasn't an easy thing to write, but, i am glad it is written! Drop by anytime!
As a father and a former abused child, myself, this hub breaks my heart, which is why I tend to avoid hubs that deal with this topic.
Fortunately, my kids are grown and I was able to break the cycle of violence that typically perpetuates itself in families where abuse occurs. Now, there is less likelihood that they'll abuse their future children---if they go that route. And knowing the loving temperament of their natures, I feel confident for them.
I'm sure this wasn't an easy poem to write, it being on such a difficult topic, and I congratulate you on a job well done!
Voted up!
@Charleshilton: You are so right, sir - it wasn't easy - but, it felt so right when it was done! Thank you for having the courage to read it - and to break an ugly cycle!
You deserve much respect for doing so!
ImKarn, This speaks volumes for a child , boy or girl , To tell you the truth one of my greatest loves about woman is that she often rises from some abuse to angelhood! To become almost superhuman in compassion and giving of themselves. Boys can as well of course but women really shine for me ! Being a man , and having seen too much abuse , we often become introverted .But women generally act out in beautiful ways. Good for you ! For this !.......+
@ahorseback: Thanks so much! Poetry intimidates me, but - this was both so easy...and so difficult at the same time!
Yes I saw where the grandmother and stepmother made this little nine year girl walk herself to death. These children unfortunately are born to people who should have never had babies. So many children suffer from negligence and abuse it's sad. Poignant peice.
@Nightflower: Thank you for the kind words! And that little girl? She wasn't walked - she was run for 3 hours straight while those bitches sat on a couch watching and coming out to beat her if she stopped. They should be made to do exactly the same thing. An eye for an eye is perfect in this case! Now you've got me going again...grrrrrr...(lol)
Did I say walked? I meant ran. I saw it on CNN last night and it was so pitiful. Those ladies didn't love that baby and so they deserve whatever they get and you're welcomed.
The intensity with which you write is like being hit by a semi. You and I are very much alike in that we "say the thing." Everyone is damaged on some level for whatever reason and after 58 years of living I can say to you that I have a logical family that I have chose as opposed to a biological family. Welcome. Keep writing as it IS your thing.
@Tigerstripes: I take that as a huge compliment! Thank you!
sharing
tweeted
Got that down pat! :)
Wow lady! You've got some voice. I'm seriously impressed. I also wrote a poem about abuse. Maybe one day I'll post it. Much love sista! Peace and blessings.
@Hattiemattiemae: Life gets in the way of responding to comments sometimes! Don't think for a second i don't deeply appreciate it, Hattie!
@Etherealenigma: I am woman - hear me roar! lol. Please read above for my apology for the delay Enigma! Thank you for the kind words and support! Back atcha, sista!
I cried. a sad poem, sadly my life too.Loved this even if it did take me back. Sometimes we need to remember these thing.To help others.
@Rustimccollum: I cried to, dear! I'm so sorry this was your life as well. We made it though, didn't we? Take good care!
Yes we made it.
This piece touches me so much , every child is a special and precious , therefore they deserve all the good and beautiful things in this world. But sad for some are deprive of love and care.Wish all parents must be responsible so we can no longer see abuse , uncared children.
@Angelme566: Angel, my friend - yes...wouldn't responsible parents be a wonderful beginning! Do you remember i wrote an article on triond (way back) called 'permits for parents' - citing how an electrician and an aerobics instructor need permits - but parents? Nah...go ahead - fuck like bunnies - and raise(don't raise) the next generation of damaged souls and criminals. People crawled all over me re: rights..slippery slopes..blahblah. Personally, i don't see the slippery slope in having the basics of caring for a child - i see the slippery slope in NOT! Just me, i guess..K..rant over! Thanks for listening...lol
I must vote up and awesome on your excellent poem about abuse. I've written my share on this subject and admire you greatly for what you have given here. Marvelous!
@Vocalcoach: I look forward to reading your insight on this terrible topic that needs a bright light shone on it! I am in limbo right now, visiting another country and staying with friends, so my computer time is very limited..Shortly i will be back and up to speed once again! Thanks for taking the time, Coach!
You mentioned hearing what isn't being told by a youth , I wish I could go back to when my daughter couldn't speak but could easily show her teenage anxt feelings , and pull from out of her past a picture of such realities that are unspeakable! IMKarn I could easily be the avenger of youth against the atrosities of mankind ! Hope you understand!......
@Ahorseback: I understand only too well..i'm so sorry about your daughters suffering in silence..Sadly, mankind doesn't seem to be getting any 'kinder'..It needs more of 'us' in it, me thinks!
You made me cry--for myself and for so many others! Such a moving piece!
This really hit home. When I would try and speak of it, I was called a liar. It's amazing how easy people can turn the other way. Thank you for writing such a powerful poem. You truly have a gift for telling a story in such a poignant way. Well done. Most assuredly voted up and shared. Lisa
@Rusticliving: hi, Rustic, nice to 'meet' you! Even under these...circumstances..So sorry to hear of your suffering. It's sadly far too common, to some degree or another. Being denied credibility is just another cross to bear. Hopefully, you have emerged stronger and better for it - and are enjoying your...'Rusticliving'! Thanks for sharing..every little bit matters..
@Audreyhowitt: Dear Audrey...a 'tear'..or 2...we are but human, and life is not always fun..or fair. But, we are better and stronger - and we know we are survivors. This was my way of doing some small thing to keep the fire burning. There is no excuse to turn a blind eye to suffering...None! When suffering is ignored - we come closer to the abyss, me thinks - and me thinks you agree, based on the 'you' i've read! lol
Magnificent representation of your talents. Beautiful and heavy with need. There is definitively something wrong here, when we look the other way and pretend that nothing is happening. Voted up and shared! Blessings
This is absolutey beautiful. The flow of the poem, the beauty of your words, the emotion. The photos you chose are a perfect compliment as well. You have given a voice to many who need one in a way that truly does them justice. And you have put a voice in the heads and hearts of those of us that can help them.
@Anaceleste: Hi, and welcome! I don't write about myself much or often. Having said that - this poem came far too easily - as it came from a part of the soul one can ignore, but can never disregard! Thanks for caring - and sharing!
@Danateresa: Hi, Dana! i only pray that this makes even ONE person see what has been in front of their noses! You are right on: we 'can help them' - if we care to.
PHILLYDREAMER Level 3 Commenter 3 months ago
I knew you were a poet. There's no use in pretending anymore I know your secret. This is exactly what I was looking for.