Be Vigilant

An ache in my arm arrived on Thursday, I thought Arthur Itis had come to stay. By 1am it was hurting like hell, Painkillers I took didn't make me well. By 7am, of the pain, I'd had enough, Where pain's concerned, I ain't so tough. A trip to the hospital was my next stroke, The X-rays confirmed that my wrist was broke. How it happened I do not know, I only wanted the pain to go. The X-rays revealed a mystery, Breaks in my arm they showed up three! In a sense, I am glad this happened to me, For the experience had made me see, What a defenceless child sometimes went through, Behind closed doors and hidden from view. I ask that you, vigilant be, Next time a crying child you see. Is it just crocodile tears being shed, Or has that child been beaten instead. I pray that each time there is nothing to see, Just an impatient child hungry for tea. My pain was real and made me see, For broken children I would vigilant be. © Dave Timperley 2012.