Settlement Stains

Pitter, patter little feet, running up and down the street. Screaming, laughing, shouting loud. Thin silver lining, in such dark cloud. This moment's fun, will end too soon. Replaced with angry curses and paraffin fumes. Green, amber - filled bottles, all but soothe, Lurking shadows, set to abuse. No whimpered prayers, to make it end, hope, long dead, that at last in bed - Safety find, but instead, A different kind of pain begins. Now, at last, bitter tears release, Tiny, wretched soul, at last to sleep.