| Fire With a smile, mother called to her little girl Mother lifted her high and gave a small twirl. "I've got something to show you out in the yard." "Your Dad's burning garbage. He's working so hard." The child was four with long, wavy hair. And to see out the window, she needed a chair. She saw something glowing in an old steel drum. So she pondered this sight, as she sucked on her thumb. As she looked out the window, mom asked, "What do you see?" "Oh that, it's called 'fire'. It's very pretty!" "Your Dad has a smile, why, that must be fun." "Would you like to go out and see how it's done?" "You must listen close to all that I say." "Then I'll let you down and you can go play." "Walk up to that drum and with both of your hands," "Hold on to it tight for as long as you can." Now stay very quiet, you cannot be loud." "Do what I say and your dad will be proud." Then she scooped that small child up with one arm. The child couldn't know that her mom meant her harm. Then her mom put her down and she went for the door. She tiptoed so softly as she crossed the floor. She walked up to that drum, just like her mom said. But to see all the fire, she had to tilt back her head. It was warm where she stood but she didn't know why. So she thrust out both hands, then she started to cry. Her Daddy came running, the smile was gone. And the child felt fear. She had done something wrong. Now the child can't remember what happened next. For her mind always did for the girl what was best. At times such as this, her mind just shut down. The girl's vision went black and she heard not a sound. The girl's in the kitchen, her hands swathed in white. She is so full of fear that her throat constricts tight. The look that she sees in her mother's eyes. Lets her know Daddy's questions must be answered with lies. This game that her mom played had her confused. She had no way of knowing she was being abused. But she knew how to play, she had done it before. So she lied to her Daddy as she stared at the floor. She peeked at her mom when her Dad went outside. What she saw made her happy, she nearly cried. Her mother was smiling. Things were all right. The girl would be fed, at least...on that night. I've told you a story that I know quite well. I've given you a glimpse into my private hell. For the girl in the story, needless to say, Was me, and I remember it all to this day. |
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