Arms outstretched, palms up,
Pleading in her eyes,
Love in her heart,
Her soul battered and bruised.
A tear rolled down her cheek,
And your gentle hands wiped it away.
Her trembling body
Was wrapped in the strength of your arms
And, at long last, she felt safe.
She laughed again
And she played.
Her smile brought the sun.
The deep wounds began to heal.
Her love for you was overwhelming.
But then the clouds came.
They shut out the sun.
Now the eyes held fear,
The laughter was silent,
And the trembling returned.
Words of ridicule and hatred rained down.
Hands rose and fell in anger.
Her eyes now asked, “Why?”
A tear rolled down her cheek.
A slap swept it away.
A child came to you….
Written by Sharon, Age 62
