Living in the Shadows   By Diane R. Barnes
It is indeed a pleasure to contribute
Something positive to those individuals,
Who were deprived of their freedom of choice.

Day in and day out,
we read or hear of traumatic conditions resulting in abuse.
Victims are perverted verbally, physically and mentally.
Afraid to speak out or tell due to threats, promise punishment or reprisal,
they are traumatized to the point of living in the shadows.

Hiding in the corner
  Of my small bedroom,
    Terrified of evil
      I grabbed an old broom,
        “get out, go away, leave me alone”,
          You shouldn't be here when Mama's not home.

That night my innocence was taken away,
  I felt so dirty when I tried to pray.
    I am only a child,
      Help me understand,
        How Mama could love this evil man.

I wish she could see what he's doing to me,
  Her sweet little girl,
    her sweet babe.
      I want to tell her,
        But I think she knows,
          How he looks at me from my head to my toes.

It's not fair,
  I am just a child,
    I want to have friends
      I just want to smile.
        I feel rejected and so ashamed
          Am I the victim,
            Or am I to blame.

A sad little boy
  Sitting alone in school,
    Trying to understand
      The Golden Rule.

“Don't tell nobody
  I'll be watching you,
    Be careful what you say
      And what you do”

A teenage girl
  “out kicking it late,
    was sexually assaulted
      on her first date.
“Don't tell anybody” its your word against mine,
  I have enough money
    To last a lifetime.

Nobody have the right to handle you,
  Or, make you feel uncomfortable
  In what they say and do.
You are the victim,
  You are not to blame.
    These people are sick,
      Without morals or shame.

“Living in the Shadows”
  can ruin your life,
    low self-esteem,
      hate and strife.
        You are not to blame,
          Don't hide your face.

You deserve a respectful chapter
  In the human race.

Yes you are the victim,
  Seek counsel today.
    Consult an abuse chapter
      Do it right away.