Amanda, my little angel
Amanda, behind those big innocent eyes
Your smile did not reveal
The scars of abuse
That would lead you to die
Like Daniel before
And many after
The Government has failed you
Your life it did cost
Not old enough to vote
Your screams in the night
Your pleas they ignored
It shook you to death
What will we do
How can  we help
For your death to mean nothing
We must not let this be
Report fights
Our neighbours must hear
Protest the violence
Behind bedroom doors
Don't allow anyone
To abuse the little ones
You carry inside
Priorities are amiss
Let's get them straight
Don't let Amanda's cries....
Become your own child's....

© Elizabeth Silke
29th June, 1996

"There was a little girl here some years ago that was shaken to death by a parent, and as a result she died.   She was an unfortunate victim of child abuse, too often an occurrence in today's society.   And we are powerless to help unless asked, and who is going to do that?  Neighbours, friends, even relatives, turn a blind eye to abuse - denying it is happening to someone "they know"....and the innocent victims are the ones who suffer - some die.  In this poem, Elizabeth is calling out to everyone to make a stand against abuse and don't turn a blind eye, but to do something to stop it.   The law, unfortunately, states that nothing can be done unless the victim makes a complaint - WHEN is the victim going to??  And what if it is just a little child, who can't even recite the alphabet, let alone accuse a parent (her only security in the world) of abusing them???
Take a stand,  and make a difference!  Stop abuse!
It's a weak crime, to abuse someone so defenceless who trusts you...."

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Eyes of my Soul
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