The Four Year Old Beside Me

The Four-Year old Beside Me Little body, crushed with burden Little mind, overwrought with worry Little child, broken Behind the eyes, a hidden smile Behind the eyes, a neglected heart Behind the eyes, broken… He smiles quickly, and turns away, He smiles shyly, unsure of what to say He smiles, lightly I feel his pain, present today I feel his sorrow, present tomorrow I pat his head, lightly... Why do they yell at you? How do you live this way? Hiding behind my own tears of rage, Hiding behind my own ache encaged, Hiding behind his eyes wide and bright, I force a smile, too To cradle him, in my arms for eternity, To teach him, about love everlasting To protect him from the hurt everlasting, too… Little body, crushed with burden Behind, those scars everlasting You do not speak But I can hear your laughter Hiding behind the pain in your heart To kiss the bruises, on your cheek… You do not care why they yell at you, You know not how to live, any other way.