hush little sister

I was abused from the age of four by my family, as was my older sister, who died from the abuse. I am now twenty-one, and this poem is what I sometimes wondered about - if she was looking down on me and helping me survive. When I was rescued at the age of twelve, I was encouraged to write down my feelings, and this poem was something I created back then. This is the first time I've shown it to anyone, and I dedicate this poem to my sister, whom I hope is at peace.

Hush, little sister

Please don't cry

I wish I could be there

To sing you a lullaby

I can see your arms

Bloodied and bruised

That's strange, little sister

Mine were like that too

I know you scream

When Daddy's there

Hush, little sister

I know you're scared

I can see the way

He's hurting you

I'm sorry, little sister

He did that to me too

I know that people

Ignore what's going on at home

That makes me angry, little sister

You shouldn't have to be alone

Hey, little sister

You want to know why I'm not there?

It's a sad story, little sister

But people should care

You see, little sister

One day Daddy got high

You were asleep in your crib

So you didn't hear my cry

He screamed at me

And smashed my head against the door

While you slept, little sister

I died on the floor

You know, little sister

I don't think that I would have died

If someone had only bothered

To listen to my cries

But hush, little sister

Daddy's coming home

Quick, get into bed

You don't want him to find you alone

I'm sorry little sister

He's in a bad mood

Run while you can

Uh oh little sister

He's lifting his belt

Scream while you can, little sister

Call for help

Hush little sister

You don't need to cry

No one can hurt you

You're in my arms tonight.