July Magazine 2012

THE FORGOTTEN CHILDREN We need to be the voices of children everywhere, Alone, abandoned, with bruises it seems like no-one cares.

Their abusers keep them silent with threats, their bodies shake, Feelings kept inside themselves their smiles, they always fake.

Words that hurt so deeply Destroys their self-esteem, Shame they feel inside themselves in their minds is where they scream.

Secrets so deep and never to be told they lived it every day, these are the forgotten children let’s scream out and shout and pray.

Pray that we can save them from a life of horrendous abuse, To set them free and guide them it’s up to us, there's no excuse.

Each day one child will die alone from their wounds inside and out, scars so deep, with bodies broke from this abuse, there is no doubt.

Remember all children everywhere Protection is what they need, Broken, alone and frightened from the abusers dirty deeds.

I write these words, for all children small And that little girl in me, Silenced then, but not anymore I will shout out to help set them free.

Written by Mary Graziano June 19, 2012 13