Shame of Silence

In the year, nineteen an’ thirty-nine, in a small town that seemed not to care, a little girl tried her very best to dress well, and groom her dark hair. She’d fight for her life—whatever it took, an’ survive her father so cruel, her heart would stay strong , she’d try hard to belong in this town, and much harder—in school. Her mama had passed on to Heaven— five years since she’d breathed her last breath… Daddy had tried to hide how he cried, but then chose to live life in the past. He drank every day of the week then, and worked—but seldom, at most. His life seemed meaningless—useless, lacking life goals he might boast. Food was quite scarce in the cupboards, and her thin arms and legs bore the tale of bruises and stripes from the whippings she received every week without fail. She was only a girl in the fourth grade but her will and good marks got her thru’— nobody would come to her rescue, in those days—t’was the wrong thing to do. Her dresses were hand-me-down clothing with ties hanging loose in the back— bright calico colors were faded but worn proud no matter their lack. She tried hard to comb her long tresses and bathe whenever she could, but water was heated on a potbellied stove, and Dad wouldn’t chopped any wood. The house, feeling cold and so lonely, was never fresh cleaned as before, looking neglected and run down— crooked shutters and broken screen door. Kids teased her at school on the playground, and shunned her when seen about town. Her soul was burdened with sorrow, and her eyes looked sad-blue tho’ dark brown. Suspicion and rumors abounded but folks minded their business back then— they stayed out of another man’s family no matter his obvious sin. She struggled each day in her hard life, making plans for a future to live but fate was cruel and decisive— too soon, she had no more to give… The town had just turned a blind eye— neglected to care for this child, protect the poor girl who lived in their midst, and was known to be quite meek and mild. Now, a grave lies stark—unattended, her birth date and death carved in stone— murdered by her drunken father, ignored by a town—left alone. (dedicated to Donna who survived abuse) Tamara Hillman ©2007