I wrote this poem in June 2023 following a move where there were two children helping their mother make this giant transition in their lives after months of living in s a shelter. It was moving to see their spirit and their joy, and even their appreciation for the volunteer move team. And yet, they are innocents caught up in something so much beyond their control. All they want is hope, caring and love, and a tomorrow without violence and abuse.
I may be six or even sixteen
But I have been caught in between
Seen abuse and violence that should not exist
Yet for a long time, it was dismissed.
As a child, I am left to question
No matter the cause of the aggression
Is this what love is and respect is shown
For all my life it is what I have known
I have gone to sleep with flowing tears
And then awoken with only fears
Every day is filled with hurt and tension
Today – tomorrow, only apprehension
With no end in sight, one day it changed
We left the house; our lives re-arranged
We found a shelter with caring folk
A step away from a life that was broke
Yet I have lived until today
A life of questions and like a stray
Where do we go; does no one else care
Is a life of happiness but a prayer
Today I woke to see four smiling faces
Their support like receiving warm embraces
They moved my mom, me and our things
It was like being carried on angel wings
Prayers can be answered; there is hope
Life’s been unfair, like on a swinging rope
But we’re in our new home and people care
I can smile and breathe the fresh new air.