by Robert. Lipman
Needful words never spoken.
Silence ordered; ego-broken.
Cannot speak to help herself.
Wicked words:"Obey or else."
Dressed adult-like, but not old!
Why such clothing? This she's told:
"Keep your mouth shut, lady-girl.
Smile sweetly. Show the world."
Sobs and tears must be contained.
Acting grown-up must be feigned.
Orders given; clothes undone.
Lady-child, precious one.
So confused: "What's this for?
Let's not do this anymore."
"Shut your mouth. Do as told.."
Must now fit a lady-mold.
Hair must cascade from its bun.
Flick it now as it's undone."
Cameras clicking from all sides
As the little one abides.
Final orders: "Now you're done.
Dress and go out for some fun.
"Just remember:Mouth kept tight
If you want your food tonight."
No more pain? Now ends sorrow?
Think again! There's tomorrow!
If not then —- soon enough.
Lady-child; life so rough ...
Gone those years —- adult you are.
Memories have left their scar.
Damage done; flashbacks piled
From that torture as a child.
Lovely lady now can't smile.
All that grief when lady-child.
YOU ARE READING
LADY-CHILD
PoetryThis next poem is gruff, written in briefly worded couplets that rhyme, each beginning with a heavily accented syllable to add to the feel of the harsh subject matter. It is about abuse -- abuse of a child. It is a difficult topic to read about, esp...
