Penned for a child that I have been gifted the honor of knowing and for whom I pray daily.

Lost Between Cultures

I see this beautiful native child
So sad of for her young years
A trustless soul and a heart defiled
Strong, defiant to hide her fears
God how could one so dear be lost
I see her slipping farther each day
Mother’s drinking bears high cost
Her daughter forgotten by the way
To her grandma she is sent to live
Hospice, a check for a home
How can one so young forgive
Loss of love, sense of being alone
Into her own world she retreats
With silent tear and hardened soul
Kicked around by politics’ feet
Without care for her console
Passed birthdays without gift
Slept nights without a meal
What can give this soul a lift
Imagine how she must feel
No-one seems to care at all
If she laughs or if she cries
Or pick her up after a fall
Wipe the tears from her eyes
Her own culture turns its back
Ours say it’s not their call
I know I paint this picture black
But there is no color here at all
I’m talking of this child’s soul
Her lack of emotional nurture
This will carry an exacting toll
On her outlook and her future
From this day I solemnly vow
To gift her a smile each day
And I’ll find a way somehow
To keep her darkest fears at bay

Brian Beaudry