Stolen

A child giggles Playing a care free game Runs round and round In imaginary circles The laughter growing uncontrollably Stolen A child excited Explores their new world Parents guide inquisitive mind Through the maze of all to learn Stolen A child warms In the arms of their mother Safe, secure and loved Gently drifting Into peaceful sleep Stolen You stole But never gained From the very first time You raised your hand Stolen Replaced laughter with sobbing Hope with fear As you struck All that was good about you Was stolen too.