She was just fourteen
Sweet, lively, and innocent.
With dreams of
A bright tomorrow.
He was one she called uncle
A trusted confidant and friend
A go to place in time of
Trouble and need.
The best – till he changed:
Became touchy and
Looked at her longingly
With nothing but lust in his eyes.
Then came the dark long nights.
The squeaky sound
Of door opening
Followed by heavy breaths; then sobs.
He flipped her like a book
Scheming through her innocence
Introducing her to a world
She wasn’t ready for yet
Leaving her scarred
With marks invisible
For the eyes to see
There for the heart to feel.
An empty shell
A shadow of the person she once was
Bitter, jumpy, and always scared.
Sworn to keep her mouth shut.
Singnificance
The poem speaks to several important themes that are relevant in today’s society. Here are some of the key areas that the poem addresses:
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Child Abuse: The poem highlights the prevalence of child abuse, particularly within family and trusted relationships. It illustrates the lasting damage that abuse can cause, both physically and emotionally.
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Silence and Shame: The poem also touches on the stigma and shame associated with abuse, which can prevent victims from speaking out and seeking help. The poem emphasizes the importance of breaking the silence and addressing these issues head-on.
