a straightforward approach to a social statement, encompassing a myriad of domestic and communal complexities dealing with abuse and neglect ... the poem successfully explores this social dilemma and analyzes the ramifications of experiencing such deplorable conditions ...

EXCELLENT!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Liana Margiva

a sobering write Gene
stan

Gene: It is not just the words and sentiments in this work, but the format/style in which the child "speaks." Perfect pitch, here. And you know how we are always hearing about the adult survivors of child abuse? Well, I personally know people who are among the non-survivors. it's not pretty. Unable to have adult male-female relationships/marriages, unable to work, onset of chronic and debilitating illness, disrupted relationships with closest kin, even those not involved. As a reader said below, too, it is very common that this becomes a cycle within families. The thing is, that if the abuse is early, the brain forgets, but the body does not. The body simply does not! It becomes visceral, subconscious, -- but there. Thank you for sharing this. To me, it is societal commentary. Our society is sick. So much focus on sexuality, so much pressure for young kids to grow up, and so much frustration and disgruntlement and even ennui from our techonological wonders that give us so much time on our hands --- that people's hands go other places. My hat is off to you for telling painful truths. Abuse can destroy a life. if one is lucky, one can overcome. It simply is not guaranteed, no matter the advances made in psychotherapy and psychiatry. Thank you for sharing this deeply disturbing poem. To steal a child's innocence is an unforgivable theft.

You certainly show the tragedy and heartache of a child's viewpoint in your poem, Gene! The beast of man rears it's ugly head in many ways as you describe: the teacher, the mother, the father. Who is to protect the child, and who will understand his shame so he will no longer be mute? Great write, dear friend...Great write!
Blessings and Love - Micke

Gene - Tragic poem of betrayal of trust. I felt the frustration of the child when the parents not only refuse to believe him but punish him, too. - David

Oh my,your words are so sad but as always well written sweet Gene..I certainly can feel the pain within these lines...Hugsss
Love,
Chanti Lace xoxo

Very sad but well written. Thanks for sharing, some truths are so painful.

Cynthia

Evokes strong feelings - mostly foul and melancholy.

Gene, can I step into your mind and do research? This is beyond beautiful, very dark and yet so beautiful

...so powerful in its truth, Gene

abusing their trust
protectors steal innocence
hiding in terror

Carole~

Gene-- this poem should be required reading for students, educators,and parents to communicate about. It is very disturbing, but it is also indicative of the misunderstanding between chidl and adult,and makes the point perfectly!Bravo, on a piece well done,on a difficult topic!

Love,
Eileen

Sad, rips the heart...you've moved me to tears.

the message is most disturbing -- a wake up call to many parents of the treachery many children are exposed to -- the internal struggle they must endure -- at the hands of the perverted - innocence lost, in early childhood, never to be reclaimed -- your skills as a writer produced this telling, traumatic experience with compassion and an uncanny surrealism -- an excellent piece of work Gene -- peace and love my friend -- Jon Michael

Wow, how true this piece is and how much it hits home...

Be always safe,
Karen

Gene,
Allow me to concur with all the comments made below and add that this is deeply disturbing; what is admirable about the writing is the consistency of style and the understatement on the cusp of denial and discretion. This took the excellent discipline and skill you always show to bring it off, and bring it off you did, distinctly Williamsonesque.
John

Heart touching write, Gene; well penned!

(((HUGS))) and much love, your friend in Tx., Karen Lynn. :)

This is written so poignantly Gene....about a subject that has been so taboo....and now it's rampant wherever a child goes....innocent children left in the hands of trusted...what a joke...the irony of it...the trusted adults who are supposed to protect!! Too often parents are blind out of ignorance..."bliss" is the word I think is used to describe ignorance... Gene, this is an extremely well written piece...it gave me chills to the bone! hugs, lindalaw

Sad write Gene, but very often, too true.

Too sad...ed

The truth's too hard for Mama. She can't save herself. How can she save Bobby? She was taught to do what she was told. Her Papa had a hard hand. She married a man like him, so Bobby learns to have a hard hand and turns the anger and shame outward. Vicious circle. How often does this scenario play out in families from generation to generation? Sad indeed!! You've more than lived up to the challenge, Gene. Excellent reveal from a child's point-of-view...Lin

My heart aches for the loss of innocents of this beautiful child. The child "Always" carries the shame of the betrayal until he or she heals enough to discover that the predator also left his mark on the child's soul. It would be better for that man or woman to have a millstone 'round his neck and to be thrown into a lake than to meet the Judge on Judgement day and to give an account of his actions toward these innocent children. Exceptional poem Gene. Bless you, J'nia

Gene,

Shattering - the innocence of a child destroyed by the world and Mama don't know - tragic. Effectively penned sadness.

(((HUGS))) and love, Karla. *tears*