Never a Smile

 
The child was well cared for to anyone seeing her;
      she had pretty outfits with hair ribbons and clips;
    but she was really a little girl in despair;
        there was never ever a smile on her lips;
      and mother knew where to place the kicks.

She had lots of bruises but they were covered up;
      tiny arms were black and blue but she wore a sweater;
    she had no dolls or toys only a worn stuffed pup;
        on hot days it was awful as she would swelter;
      the little girl thought this was her life forever.

But one day something happened to change her life;
      a teacher noticed dark bruises on her legs;
    and on closer inspection there are wounds by a knife;
        the mother is arrested for abuse (she weeps and begs;)
      and the little girl pulls from her stuffed pup threads: 

"Pup you were bad and now you must be punished," she whispers.

_______________________
April 24, 2021
Copyright © | Year Posted 2021

Poem

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Kauffman Avatar
April 26, 2021 at 10:07 AM
Congratulations Constance on your powerfully written lines. Abuse of a child is unconscionable. Unfortunately it is self perpetuating as evidenced in your last line! Heartbreaking story. Thank you for exposing this hidden terror for those who are abused. Blessings and a hug. Love Sam
La France Avatar
April 26, 2021 at 2:12 PM
Sam, thank you for the congratulations and the great comment and compliment, love _Constance
Marcum Wong Avatar
April 25, 2021 at 8:23 PM
I can really understand the pain no indifference can cause. Especially abuse. It stays with a child throughout their life. Excellent write. Congratulations on your wonderful first placement. Blessings Connie
La France Avatar
April 26, 2021 at 2:13 PM
Connie, thanks for the comment, the compliment and the congratulations, love _Constance
Gaul Avatar
April 25, 2021 at 6:49 PM
This is powerful stuff Constance. Your quill drips of emotion. Brave verse, touching storytelling. Congratulations for this true poetry.
Alex Avatar
April 25, 2021 at 9:15 AM
Congratulations!
La France Avatar
April 25, 2021 at 12:58 PM
Christuraj, thank you so much for the congratulations, love _Constance
Pettit Avatar
April 24, 2021 at 8:24 PM
I hate child abuse in all forms. You have written everything descriptively well here.
La France Avatar
April 25, 2021 at 12:59 PM
Robert, thank you so much for the visit and comment, love _Constance
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