Sunlight sparkled on her tears,
as memories crowded her mind.
Of the life she lived, confirming her fears.
“Please don’t leave me behind?”

Her daddy loved her sure enough.
He told her every night.
While his hands so hot and rough,
Caressed her in the darkest light.

Her momma had to work, no matter how she cried.
Screaming out the fear always attacking her mind.
How could she be so blind?
How could she afford to leave me behind?

Little girl, seven years old.
Her tiny body knew how to feel.
How to be held, when she was told.
How to cry to her pillow when asked to be still.

She watched her momma leave,
Felt her daddy’s love as he told her to mind.
With all her heart, wanting to believe,
Momma didn’t want to leave me behind.