At four years old
She knows
Things no child
Ought to know
She’s known violence
Before she knew how to speak
There’s only so much
A TV Can teach
Only so far
A broken family
Can nurture
And in a low
Quiet voice
She sings

Mommy can you see me?
Mommy do you see me?
Mommy I am right here
Right here
Right beside you
Mommy do you love me?
Do you love me?
Would you ever
Tell me
Love me
See me?

She’s nine years old
Growing bold
She laughs with friends
Learns some more
She knows of violence
And hatred
So much more than before
Her smiles hide the bruises
That litter her core
Her laugh eclipses the sobs
From the night before
And the low, timid voice
That sang

Mommy do you see me?
Mommy don’t you see me?
Mommy I am right here
Right here
Listening
Mommy don’t you love me?
Don’t you love me?
When will you
See me
Protect me
Love me?

She’s thirteen years old
Tired of the world
She’s known of violence
And pain
To know that it’s vain
She closes her eyes
Let’s out a sigh
Shoved in the shadow
Of those before her
Recalling the weary
Dreary
Voice that sang


Mom why can’t you see me?
Mom why don’t you see me?
Mom, I’m right here
Right here
Crying
Mom, why don’t you love me?
Why don’t you love me?
When will you
Praise me
See me
Love me
Too

And she’s fifteen
Out more than not
Hanging with friends
That know her best
She tells them the stories
Of Violence
And words
The ones no child
Deserves to learn
She tells them about Daddy
That was
Never there
She tells them about Mommy
And all the despair
How she’s just a shadow
In her own home
The hopes and dreams
Of sisters before her
And the voice breaks of
Into the choking
Sobbing
Song of the past

Why did you never love me?
Why didn’t you love me?
I was right here
Right there
Always
Why don’t you love me?
Don’t you love me?
When will you
Notice
See me
Love me
Please…

She’s seventeen
When it all goes down
In a sea of black death
The silence drowns
A preacher drones on
That salvation is there
But she just stands
Alone in despair
She’ll never have her answer
To the questions she asked
And when they’re all gone
A voice
Soft, gentle
But strong
Will Sing

You never loved me
Why do I love you?
I was right here
Right here
Always
Why didn’t you love me?
Didn’t you love me?
Why did you
Leave me
Why did you
Leave me
Mom
Tell me
Please…
Give me the answers
The child asked
Mom please tell me
And I’ll
Sing you the song
Tell me
Tell me
Please…