i
Past
images of vulnerability dance
naked eyes blink, shut out
ageless tormenter
held captive on stomach
a small child begs for help
big room no adults
sadist rages human victim
soul broken bones intact
held down sat upon
“I’ll tell Mom” you laugh
my cries unheard despair
When will he finish?
worse when he leaves
unwanted by anyone
even the tormenter.
ii
Today
gentle words embrace
compassion flows as
I face my younger self
Hi, you don’t know me but
I am you all grown up,
we survived.
Eyes wide you whisper
I knew one day you
would awaken.
