The Secret I Must Hold

The pretty flowered sheets, on my canopy bed;
Are now dotted in stains, of bright crimson red.

I now lie here alone, in my darkened room;
I'm filled with despair, I'm alone in my tomb.

Daddy finally left me, and went back to his bed;
My little body hurts, and I have pains in my head.

Why does he hurt me, and use me this way?
He says he loves me, and this is a game that we play.

He says not to tell Mommy, or he will get mad;
And then he won't love me, for then I'll be bad.

This is our secret, and nobody can know;
I cover the bruises, so then they won't show.

Sometimes I pretend, that I'm fast asleep;
But it matters not, in my room, he will creep.

If only I had someone, that would listen to me;
See the tears that I cry, and perhaps set me free.

But, I cannot talk, and my silence I must keep;
I kneel to say my prayers, then cry myself to sleep.

© Betty Hawkins 2003
(All Rights Reserved)