It never ceases to amaze me that in exchange for money, candy, etc., parents (single mothers especially) are willing to 'look away' while others physically and verbally assault their children. 'I' took care of myself and my sisters when Mom wouldn't ... even when only 6 years old!
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“Hey, mister, get off of my sister.
She’s only four!
Mom said to fetch cookies . . . nothing more.
Sis, run next door!
Every time that we sit in your lap
your fingers roam.
I don’t understand what’s going on--
six but alone.
You cuddle and kiss us on our cheeks
getting a rise.
Do you buy undies for other kids
in your disguise?
When you’re alone, I won’t go inside--
feared what you’d do.
Circled the house, peeked in your windows--
saw sis and you.
I say it sincerely stay away!
Your charity
shows no Christianity inside.
With clarity
you unzipped, led sis to your bedroom
to play horsy.
I pounded on the window. Scared you;
you threatened me.
Our daddy’s dead, but he taught me right:
I’ll tell on you!
Your wife called later . . . since I told lies
freebies were through.
No one believed what happened that day-
yet you left town.
Children need protection. Predators
seem to abound.”