To Go Unnoticed

How can one so small know such horror?

Harsh hunger pangs and restless sleep

Scuffed, scarred, alone in the corner

Not even noticing the dark beginning to creep.

People coming in and drifting back out

Lost souls who don’t even see; they are lost.

They are unable to go without

They don't recognize the cost.

A rapping at the door… How odd.

A trim young woman comes into view. 

She sees the girl in the corner and awards her a nod.

She crouches down, “Have they hurt you?”

She doesn’t need an answer

To the girl, this doesn’t make sense.

And then ripped away from her

Are the shards of her very existence.

Struggling to stand, her stomach twists

As she looks back, she pauses

But turns sharply into a wince.

The smoky fumes make her nauseous.

Fragile and weak, she is lead out the door

Her hand is held by the woman, the one who knew.

First knees, then elbows hit the floor

“I am here. I will carry you.”