The Lessons Learned

The Lessons Learned

Picture if you will, A child of three.

She's frightened and confused,

Not understanding,Why her mother,

Is mistreated and abused.

As time goes by, This same child,

With broken spirit and heart,

Watches as brother is beaten,

Unable to take his part.

She doesn't grow as other girls,

Young years full of laughter

And no cares.

Her days are filled with caution,

While sleep brings nightmares.

He taught her well,

With his violence,

And the words,

"Children are to be

Seen and not heard."

She learned at an early age,

What caused his fuse to ignite,

So she spends her youthful years,

Withdrawn and out of sight.

The violent acts continue,

Followed by the words,

"See what you caused me to do?"

How many times She heard those words,

And believes them to be true.

If guilt is laying about somewhere,

She claims it as her own.

As her young years slip slowly past.

She feels hopelessly alone.

~

the story continues

© 2000 Jo Riley Dupree

Lessons Learned II

Lessons Learned II


It began as just a game,
One that all children play.
She searches for a place to hide.
"Come with me!" She heard him say.

Not sensing the danger,
Of what he had planned.
As her frightened eyes fill with tears,
Her cries are muffled by his hand.

This scared, this frightened child,
Clearly does not understand,
Why such pain is thrust upon her.
Will this nightmare ever end?

Molested by her cousin,
Barely into her grade school years.
~She can't tell what has happened~
Fearing her father's rage,
After too much whiskey and beer.

She's like a frightened rabbit,
Not knowing where to turn.
Once more she retreats within,
It is the safest place, she has learned.
~
The Lessons Continue
~



© 2000 Jo Riley Dupree