Child Set Free
The child sat on the sofa,
her body laiden with bruises and covered in lice.
She was only the age of one,
maybe two.
How could this be true?
I stared at my friend and she at me.
Tears flooded my eyes, how could this be?
My friend babysat this baby.
Knowing the condition,
This child should have been set free.
Her mother fed her condensed milk
as that was the only thing around.
Her belly swelled from the lack of proper nutrition.
I proceeded to change her diaper.
My cheeks stained, my eyes wide open,
what was it I did see?
A rash so bad, skin broken, she cried from the pain...
With my own money,
A soothing cornstarch bath, lice shampoo.
Oh this poor child, I'd had wished I knew!
Reaching with glove covered
hands for the phone.
Calling the police and children's aid.
This child...NO THIS BABY.
With a broken heart I let her lay.
A proper bottle of milk with supplements mixed.
She drank and drank I was determined to fix......
In clean clothes retrieved from another friend.
The baby laid and held my hand.
Proper cream on her bum
to help her heal.
My heart, angel baby did steal.
A rap on the door;
Police and children's aid arrived.
Her own mother would be chastised.
An ambulance not far in tow.
This little soul;
Finally she would be free!
Was this the best decision though?
My friend left behind.
In the ambulance, to the hospital we go.
I refused to let children's aid
take her from my arms.
I knew they wouldn't cause her
any harm.
But my heart said no.
A privilege, they allowed me to accompany this innocent child;
Finally at peace!
Her mother arrested for child neglect.
What exactly happen to her, causes me to reflect.
She lost custody of this one.
At last..... baby you have won.
She was now clean.
My mind and thoughts returned to the mother,
not images of peace but images of regression between the mean.
I had small children of my home.
Food in their bellies and a place to roam.
They were always in clean clothes,
even with their dirty noses.
I made sure my kids needs were met.
It didn't matter to me if
I didn't get.
As long as they were fed and cared for.
I'd go without if they needed more.
You see, a child should never be in such a place.
The mothers that follow this path should be disgraced.
I don't care, your circumstance.
Your child will never have a chance.
If their needs are never provided for;
they will die an agonizing death.
You will roam free, after baby takes
their last breath.
In our society, there you will always find help.
To abuse your small one in such a way.
It was certain anger I felt.
I wanted her to feel the same pain.
Seeing only red,
I needed to refrain.
I stopped seeing that one friend.
A friendship at its end.
You KNEW about this ABUSE and
YOU allowed it to continue.
HOW COULD YOU? HOW COULD YOU?
Those in need, take heed;
If I ever find you..
Know this to be true.
You will never see your child again.
They will be freed and a future
they will attain.
Copyright © Manon Peel | Year Posted 2017
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