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Open Poetry #8
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Dirt Bathed Cheeks
| Open Poetry #8 |
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Dirt Bathed Cheeks |
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Alwye
Moderator
Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850In the space between moments 
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I (as some of you know) work part time at a child care center and we've come across a child who we're nearly certain has suffered emotional and physical abuse...we've contacted the authorities, but they say that neither they nor us can do anything for this child unless we find evidence of long term neglect or obvious physical abuse...so, naturally I'm upset and my muse went to work... Teardrops rush downward Over tender, dirt bathed cheeks Streaming violently In a shower of confusion.... Hands fidget, clenching When the burst of shouts begin, Falling to his curled body As hiding between his fantasies He trembles, waiting For more than words to descend... Pain envelops in crimson wave Bruises pound Imprinting youthful flesh- No amount of crystal tears Softens the granite blow Of being unloved... The voices cease, the agony passes And the child rises again -But now lashing out- He deserves no light, no warmth For that's what Daddy says... Angel's hear the screams Yet watch helplessly As the doors forever close... What will become of the child With tender, dirt bathed cheeks And broken by the apathetic fists Of those meant to love him? *Krista Knutson* "You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back." -Barbara DeAngelis |
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| © Copyright 2000 Krista Botterill - All Rights Reserved | |||
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Paula Finn Member Ascendant
since 2000-06-17
Posts 5546missouri |
all for the sake of a child...dont give up fighting for this one...someone has to never say never |
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Silkdragon Member
since 2000-06-24
Posts 65 |
krista, this was awesome. this is the kind of thing i'd write about, kind of dark and depressing. (um, is that a bad thing? LOL). seriously, though, i think this is certainly one of your best poems. *applaudes* very, very impressive, and a deep serious topic. hope to see more like this!  Erin |
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Butterflies_dont_cry Member Elite
since 2000-03-06
Posts 3733Michigan |
 Oh Krista...I love your heart, this is so sad and an issue that touches my heart deeply if I could take all of these poor children home and wrap them in love......such a helpless position I know. Your muse should be applauded for this although it ripped at my heart......awareness does help and if one parent reading this thinks before they act... what a blessing that would be. **AW hugs** |
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LoveBug
Moderator
Member Elite
since 2000-01-08
Posts 4697 |
Krista, this situation is so sad. It's terrible that people treat children like this, and even more terrible that we live under a goverment that prevents taking action. (God bless America, eh?) God has a special place in His heart for these children, and He's definently watching over this child. "We are all in the gutter, but some of us are looking at the stars." -Oscar Wilde "The robbed that smiles steals something from the thief" -Shakespea |
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Poet deVine
Administrator
Member Seraphic
since 1999-05-26
Posts 22612Hurricane Alley |
This is one of your finest poems..not just because of the way it was written, but for the REASON it was written. I suggest you give this to a caseworker with the Child Protective Services..how could anyone not see this child was abused!? Don't give up..let them know you won't...and let the child know that not everyone will take out their anger and frustration on him/her. You are a lovely young woman. I'm proud to know you! You've made my soul cry and my heart sing.  |
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Dusk Treader
Moderator
Senior Member
since 1999-06-18
Posts 1187St. Paul, MN |
It's a sad world where innocent children are abused and grow up without love or compassion. Sadly it's much to commonplace. Krista, dear, you have the heart of an angel, and this poem of some children's tragic plight shows that muchly. Abrahm Simons "Keep on dreamin' boy 'cause when you stop dreaming it's time to die" - Blind Melon |
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Gossamerwings Member
since 2000-07-18
Posts 207 |
Well written poem. It is a law now, in every state that they have to investigate once it has been reported. You should go to CPS as PoetdeVine suggests. Someone needs to do something.This happens too often.No child should have to suffer. Gossamerwings |
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Dark Angel Member Patricius
since 1999-08-04
Posts 10095 |
Oh Krista, this is so very sad, no child deserves to go through this...please don't give up! and as Sharon said... This is most certainly one of your best poems..not only because of the way you wrote it, but for the reason. *HUGS* Maree |
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Marge Tindal
since 1999-11-06
Posts 42384Florida's Foreverly Shores |
Krista~ Keep a vigilant heart and SCREAM at the authorities until they take action. Your heart went to work ... with an outpouring of concern. Keep the candle lit Let it burn - let it burn. ~*Marge*~ ~*The pen of the poet never runs out of ink, as long as we breathe.*~ noles1@totcon.com |
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Kit McCallum
Administrator
Member Laureate
since 2000-04-30
Posts 14774Ontario, Canada |
Oh Krista ... my heart is still aching as I write. This was an incredibly powerful poem, written with such heartfelt concern. I do hope you can continue to try to help this young child. Sigh ... so unfair life is to the innocent. Best wishes, /Kit |
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Christopher
Moderator
Member Rara Avis
since 1999-08-02
Posts 8296Purgatorial Incarceration |
Hugs. Always the conflict, between the anger and the pain. |
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Janet Marie Member Laureate
since 2000-01-22
Posts 18554 |
perfect K,..written with your compassionate heart... keep touching him with your grace... he will learn to trust the light in time I have been here...dont give up..(i know you wont) take care gentle-poet jm There are places inside our souls - that have never been touched. There are places inside our hearts - that need to be loved this much. ~jm~ |
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Alwye
Moderator
Member Elite
since 1999-06-16
Posts 3850In the space between moments |
Thank you all so much for your warm and encouraging replies. I believe I will speak to my co workers about what Sharon said and somehow we'll figure out how to help this little boy. *Krista Knutson* "You never lose by loving. You always lose by holding back." -Barbara DeAngelis |
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Jamie Member Elite
since 2000-06-26
Posts 3168Blue Heaven |
You have penned a wonderful poem. I much too often respond to calls in which children have been abused. You never, ever, get used to it. Jamie Tu ne cede malis, sed contra audentior ito. - Virgil. "Yield thou not to adversity, but press on the more bravely". |
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Martie
Moderator
Member Empyrean
since 1999-09-21
Posts 28049California |
Krista--I was a teacher in early childhood development for many years, and have had to report many cases of suspected child abuse...I feel for the child of these cases and for you who have seen the result, yet are helpless...Keep on reporting...Children should be are future, not are failure! Thanks for posting this remarkable poem. |
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beowulf_26 Member
since 1999-06-29
Posts 183 |
Keep trying. It was a teacher who helped me out when I was too young to know better. Opinions are like bellybuttons: eveybody's got 'em and they're good for nothing. |
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Dawn Eclipse Senior Member
since 2000-01-31
Posts 637The Horsehead Nebula |
I enjoyed this poem Krissa... no child should have to live through this kind of torment. I pray that you can help him.. for if anybody can, I believe in you. Wonderful job, and never give up."The universe is full of magical things patiently waiting for our wits to grow sharper." Eden Phillpotts *Cassandra Roseen* |
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ethome Member Patricius
since 2000-05-14
Posts 11858New Brunswick Canada |
Is'nt that unbelievable..."evidence of long term neglect"...What are you supposed to do wait until the child is crippled? This is indeed very sad but it's also very important that there are people like yourself who are willing to fight for the human rights of these defenseless toddlers. Sad, very sad, makes me sick at heart that the morals of some have dropped down to such a sadistic level....This is a tremendous poem because of the important message and even though you have torn my heart out I needed, like so many others, to be reminded...Thanks for posting |
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