Broken Spirit

Radiant smile shown upon that lovely face Not knowing why she smiled in this awful place Some pacing back and forth making trails in worn floors Some locked away behind dingy padded doors Cries for help a wailing plea shatter once quiet halls What might have placed them behind these walls? This beauty sits alone hands folded a bit like a lost child Contradiction on her face a radiant smile yet her eyes wild I yearned to sit beside her and draw her close to me Give her just a little hug some needed company Warning from an attendant to keep my distance Sadly I begin to walk away without resistance Without warning she springs from her seat Flailing arms toward me quickly I made my retreat Wishing that I might assist in some small way Yet knowing I could not take their pain away I saw this while visiting a State hospital years ago. I have never forgotten the image left in my mind.