Innocence Lost
Seeing the world
Through blackened eyes.
Familiar with
The taste of unshed tears,
And nervous around laughter.
Hearing
The softest footstep
And flinching -
Aware of the slightest
Movement of shadow -
Running to a place
That might be safe,
At least for a while.
Lying awake at night,
Knowing pain,
Feeling it
Even when sleeping.
Bruises and secrets and
Not quite sure what hurts the most.
Wary of strangers.
Longing for
Kindness, but never letting it in.
Preferring the darkness
And hating it.
Promising to be good.
Never being good enough.
Looking out the window.
Seeing other children
Laughing, playing.
Knowing the difference.
H Schirmer
body
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