No Laughing Matter - Tony Bradley

There are children that cannot laugh,
Their happiness has been shattered.
Demons will haunt them, all their lives
because no-one was there when it mattered.

They have fears that they cannot face,
too painful to remember the cause,
frightened to sleep, afraid of tomorrow,
bright lights and suddenly opening doors.

That choking terror, that being held down,
that cold black feeling, just wanting to die,
and now longing for love and affection
and trust from someone's eye.

This torment, that someone they accepted,
they looked up to for truth and care,
has betrayed them, spoiled them, hurt them, soiled them,
when tempted into their lair.

Now they are older, but still have the scars.
Things make them too angry, or mild,
visions flash back, memories so painful,
again they're the tortured child.

They cannot enjoy life, like others,
share in the fun others have,
a smile, a smirk, but it doesn't really work.
Some quiet ones have no laugh.

Tony Bradley