It must be told,
any tale of abuse,
 No matter how painful
or the words so disdainful;
for the healing of this
never-ending haunting
to begin, to grow.

A confidant,
a doctor or a Mom,
a favorite teacher perhaps;
just so long as the victim feels safe,
else the nightmare continues
a moment in time
etched in the victim’s mind.


Many people will never know
the fear and the shame,
that sickening feeling
that comes from the knowing.

“Won’t you listen?
I know that it’s hard;
But I’ve got to tell someone,
I can’t  keep it in,
my hurt must come out”.

When the words begin,
don’t let them stop,
it’s almost going through
the horrible thing again;
the first time telling
is the hardest time there is.

“I may need a hug”,
but many times not;
touching brings back the visions,
scenes impossible to rid,
burned forever in the mind.

Just let them talk,
stop not the tears that flow;
for this is the beginning
the start of new hope.

Never question
or attempt to judge,
trying to ease the pain--
a noble effort indeed,
but one ill-served
for the pain MUST come out,
to enable the healing to begin.

One may hope
that this doesn’t happen to them,
but if someone you know
trusts you to listen,
hold that trust dear;
for this human being,
for a moment a victim,
is coming to you to help
to begin their rebuilding of life.