Regina M Griego
The Innocents
How does one betray such innocents?
Their eyes too big,
so full of joy, expecting love.
They voice their need,
express joy and contentment,
sadness, and frustration.
They do not expect betrayal.
They can’t understand our frustration,
anger, anxiety, fear and confusion.
The betrayal of rejection, neglect,
harsh punishment, and humiliation.
The betrayal of screams,
a slap, a punch, or beatings.
The betrayal of selfish and inappropriate touch,
affection, or sex.
The betrayal of killing a child, silencing them forever,
hurting them to death or shooting them with a gun.
How could any innocent child anticipate
or expect such betrayal?
How do we betray the innocents?
How are we complacent?
Where did we go wrong?
How can we protect the innocents?
