(For TeShina—the only Negro child in an all-white neighborhood--whom the white neighbors were afraid to save because they feared causing a racial incident (her foster parents were both Negro); based on a true event in Ohio.)
*******************
Through the eyes of a child often adults seem wild … riled.
She had barely turned two,
potty training was too … new.
Foster father, 'T', saw her squat down, pee. Gee
he became raging mad
as if she'd whopped him bad … sad.
He clutched the water hose … swung, brought her down, her nose flows.
Threw her inside the house
by the back of her blouse. Louse!
Heard her scream, how she bawled bouncing off the hall walls. Calls
were not made, 'twas silent …
neighbors feared his torrent, spent,
meant the child was okay. That she'd again next day play.
Inside, she drizzled red;
'twas bathed and then fed … they said.
Morn brought an ambulance; said child fell at breakfast. Thrust
in the vehicle, slid …
many had tears they hid. Bid
adieu to the baby though they thought that maybe she
would pull through it again.
He was THAT sort of man! Can
you imagine watching a child take a beating? Bring
that guy to the station;
he was on vacation. Sun
was in his eyes, said he never touched her head. Dead
of brain damage he did.
Who watch over that kid? Sid,
aunt, was guilty as well; covered up, didn't tell. Shall
we treat babies like this?
Her only 'crime' was piss. This
should not have happened to any child. See my view? Do
report … child abuse!!!!
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Reviews of "Eyes of a Child"
Reviewed by April Smith (Reader)
Reviewed on November 4, 2004
So sad. :-( Makes me really think hard about a decision I need to make regarding a child in my family (not physical abuse but there is enough neglect and "danger" around him for me to report...)
Thanks for making me THINK.
April
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April