Who Will Stand For the Children

In judgement’s call a parchment list revealed Of deeds indefensible and innocence congealed A baby left all alone in an oppressive heat The mother’s denial was for herself to secrete A 12 year old daughter too scared to be alone With a step-father to force his desire so prone An angel with a sad smile in neglect so complete That she died in hospital from injuries not discrete Then who will stand for the children? A father stands so violent his wife cowers away His son’s arm he twists and breaks in his affray A boy who is beaten with a straight edge pole His mother’s boyfriend touts his enforcer role A girl and brother who are kept in filth so vile When you enter their house it raises your bile In quiet times these memories return to you A shake of head makes you wonder who knew Then who will stand for the children? © Paul Warren Poetry