Mama

In the morning at 4am Ma took me in her arms She said "Let's go out little Ben" As she walked through the barn The day before, Ma was crying Searching for air as she gasped Strangers asked her to stop trying They said it's for the best Food was so scarce in our village Poverty in display The robbers and thieves they pillaged To everyone's dismay Mama tried hard to keep me well Since Daddy was long gone But she's a victim in this hell In hell, hope never dawns The day before, they came to us They said one word "Adopt" Mama cried when they called me "Love" When she smiled, my heart stopped In the morning at 4am Ma woke me up from sleep She said "Let's go out little Ben" Crossing the forest deep I asked Mama where we're going She clasped my hand so tight I saw my fate not a knowing Everything was a blight We came a halt at a doorstep Handsome house with grandeur Ma ran the bell; I held my breath The door opened; I shuddered Ma pulled me close, and held me tight Rocking me as she swayed She said "Darling, hold your head high" Mama don't go away ILAS (04/02/2015)