Broken - Ian Duquemin

Leave me alone, let me cry for awhile 
I don't want to talk, and I can't find my smile 
I'm just a boy no one wants anyway 
So I'll hide where I can for the rest of the day

These children around me, well they understand 
They've been hit with a stick, they've been punched with a hand 
Seen so many things a child never should see
But none of them witnessed the damage in me

I live in a world, one of darkness and pain 
Found strength to get up, but been knocked down again 
If nobody wants me, then why should I care? 
I'll just wrap myself up in this cloak of despair 

I don't want to live, in this nightmare so real 
This pain isn't something a small boy should feel 
So lock me away, there's no sunshine for me
It's only in darkness I'm able to see

Will I grow to be loved, maybe even adored? 
Or continue forever, expelled and ignored 
These scars no one sees, will they always remain? 
A constant reminder of sorrow and pain 

Leave me alone, I am broken and bruised 
A child who feels nothing.. But hurt and abused 
If nobody loves me, I'll hide here a while 
Until somebody searches and finds me a smile 

Ian Duquemin

Image : Pixabay - Tumisu

Doctor, Doctor - Richard Fleming

Tracey has translucent skin
but her focus is adrift:
got a split lip, shattered nose,
and it seems her next-of-kin
gave these to her as a gift
when she could have had a rose.

Right eye’s black, her left one’s closed:
she’s been knocked around the house
but she swears she simply fell
when the vital question’s posed.
She protects her cruel spouse.
Tracey’s house is Tracey’s cell.

When a weapon strikes soft skin:
plate or bottle, fist or boot,
skin will break or skin will bruise,
it depends if skin is thin.
Some men never give a hoot
if they’ve drunk sufficient booze.

Richard Fleming

Goodbye, Harvey Graham (The Editor's Cut) - Tony Bradley

Harvey Graham's died, he hardly lived, seldom sinned
left all his demons behind, he's given up, and gone.
Just a feeble flame, he flickered in a wicked wind,
and drowned in his mother's tears, he could never have shone.

After school, his Mother's note said "I'm sorry Harvey"
when he found her, . . . hanging from the kitchen door
too much of his father's drinking, and beating
"Please be strong for me, Angel, I can't take any more."

Little Harvey didn't live much longer
in torment, in prison, in violence, in care
His Mother's love had made him stronger
but the painful memories he just couldn't bear.

Tony Bradley

917 - Tony Bradley

917 didn't really have a chidhood
was always hiding, too frightened, too shy
too much abuse, neglect and torture
917 just wanted to die.

917 can't trust anybody
unable to relax, make friends
thinks anyone's show of kindness
will always have sinister ends.

For 917 there's a red mist, now
of anger, when someone with powers
is unfair, or just a little bit curt
917 now no longer cowers.

917 seeks peace, in misguided revenge
someone else, an unwitting prey
that self-destruct button been pressed
and they lock 917 away.

So for 917 there's no career, no life
"behavioural problems, a misfit", they say
But it's not just here now, it goes on and on
there's new numbers every day.

Tony Bradley

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

A Caution - Diane Scantlebury

Abusers are bullies
In a clever disguise,
They smother you with kisses
Then drown you with lies,
Imprisoned in a fairytale
Of thin tissue and crap,
You’re bound fast without rope
In a mind twisted trap,

Abusers are manipulative
Will transform you to mush,
They’re expert in grooming
Know what buttons to push,
It couldn’t happen to me
I’m bright and intelligent,
But under your vulnerable radar
They’ll slip with ease and eloquence,

Abusers are masters
Of elegance and grace,
But will mercilessly crush victims
The thrill’s in the chase,
They have no conscience
Will fake sincerity,
Concoct outrageous fabrications
And insist on its verity,

From someone who’s been snared
Take this advice,
Too good to be true?
Be cautious, think twice!

Diane Scantlebury

Her Eyes - Shannon Shell

A story of a child who cannot grow up.
But her eyes show her age and shows her story.
Her mind; surrounded by questions she won’t dare answer.
Her eyes; full of emotion, pain, anger.
Her voice; she cannot speak, not a word will escape.

Her mind because of what she thinks.
Her eyes because of what she sees.
Her throat is dry and sore of what she keeps locked inside.
“Never a word” she reminds herself.

Her eyes tell you the pain her lips won’t say.
If her eyes could speak they’d be sore with the frightened words.
Her eyes tell a long unspeakable story that only she knows the truth.
She’s the author of her eyes; she will write what she sees, describing with every last fibre.

Shannon Shell

The School Bully - Rod Ferbrache

There once was a boy, who was frightened of school,
The thought of it filled him with dread.
For t’was many a time he said he was ill,
And often spent days tucked in bed.
You see, there were boys who bullied and punched,
They roamed the playground in gangs,
Threatening, taunting, fearsome they were,
Even lying in wait in the lanes.

So schooling was wasted, so little achieved.
“Could do better than this,” his reports read.
The potential was there, if only applied,
But too often alone, stuck in bed.
The years soon passed by, and a job was found,
Then in time moved on to another.
From growing to gardening, from bakery to post,
New skills were learnt without bother.
School memories faded, along with the hurt,
The family quickly did grow.
He little expected the time would come
When he’d come face to face with his foe.

The bully was seeking work for himself,
Some thirty odd years had gone by.
Yet when the victim set eyes on this man
He realised the hurt had not died.
Yet strange how the tables had turned around,
Revenge was an option, a choice.
The one who was bullied, helpless and dumb,
Was a person who had a voice.

Do I get my own back on this villain of old?
Shall I get even with him and be done?
Yet sensed if he gave in to a feeling like this,
It wouldn’t be him who had won.
He felt the Lord say quite clearly to him
“Forgiveness is surely the way”.
So the hurt he surrendered, the past put behind,
And a victory was won that day.

You see, I was that boy, and I am that man.
Thanks to His power I could forgive.
T’was His compassion that reached out that day,
As my motives I allowed Him to sieve.
Many experiences have I known,
Bereavement, anguish and pain.
None of these could I face in my strength,
But had to call on His name.

There are things in our lives which are hard to face,
We bury them deep in our soul,
But the Lords desire is to draw them out,
So our lives can be healthy and whole.
We can’t treat ourselves, we haven’t the means.
Lets learn to acknowledge this fact –
It’s not always us that sort things out,
We must give God permission to act.

Rod Ferbrache

All Around The World - Shannon Shell

With thanks to Al Green for the opening two lines.

All around the World
People are crying,
Listen and you can hear.
People are hiding,
Another beating they fear.
People are lying,
Plastic smiles from ear to ear.
People are dying,
It makes the pain disappear.

Jonny is crying.
His dad just died.
His family hates him.
They’ve taken his pride.
So tonight he cuts.
And his skin starts to peel.
Sometimes he wonders what it’s like to feel.

All around the world, sadness creeps in.
In all the places you’ve seen.
In all the places you’ve been.

Molly is hiding.
Her dad is drunk again.
She hides herself away.
She hopes she’ll be okay.
Then her dad opens the door.
He kicks her ‘til she bleeds.
He tells her she is worthless.
It’s a waste of air she breathes.

All around the world, sadness creeps in.
In all the places you’ve seen.
In all the places you’ve been.

Danny is lying.
All the pain and hurting.
Covered up by smiles.
All his stupid flirting.
And his laughter.
Just one terrible lie.
Drugs of salvation.
Rehab he’ll forever try.

All around the world, sadness creeps in.
In all the places you’ve seen.
In all the places you’ve been.

Jenny is dying.
She can’t breathe no more.
Noose around her neck.
Her feet don’t touch the floor.
The pain killed her.
Her family and friend.
They shut the door.
So this is her final end.

Crying can you hear.
Hiding and they fear.
Lying ear to ear.
Drying…then finally disappear.

Shannon Shell

Sarah - Shannon Shell

R.I.P Sarah (2010-2013)

Sarah - Shannon Shell

My name is Sarah.
I am but three.
My eyes are swollen, I cannot see.
I must’ve of been stupid, I must’ve of been bad
What else could have made him so mad?

When I’m awake I’m all alone.
My house is dark, my folks aren’t home.
When daddy does come home I’ll try to be nice
So maybe I’ll only get one beating tonight.

Don’t make a sound. ‘I’m sorry!’ I scream
But it’s no too late.
His face has been twisted into unimaginable hate.
The hurt and the pain…
Again and again.

Please god have mercy, please let it end.
He finally stops, and heads for the door
While I lay motionless sprawled on the floor.

My name is Sarah.
I am but three.
Tonight my daddy nearly killed me

Shannon Shell

I Did It For You Mum - Shannon Shell

Do you know how scared I was?
All I wanted was to help you see justice brought.
I wanted to take it all back, say it wasn't true.
But I kept on going because I love you.

Do you know scared I was...sat at the bottom of those stairs?
But I got involved to try and stop your nightmares.
I hurt mentally...but you have the scars on show.

That morning the look on your face told me all I needed to know.
I'm crying inside but the tears you can't hold back.
Metal to your face...I heard your lip crack.
He denies it ever happened. Well the bastard is wrong.
Mum, I want you to know that I believed you all along.
You may have left me but I never believed a word he said.
Every time he walked into the room, I saw your face filled with dread.
You said you fell off the tandem, it sent a chill down my spine.
I realize now I am your world and you truly are mine.

I may only be a child but I understand your pain,
I'm your grown up daughter, pure as a drop of rain.
I feel a million miles away.
Your house is mine too and that's where I want to stay.
Every time that pig tried to break you down.
Just remember I’m the one still around.

Don't forget we're survivors, oh God that's so true.
Mum I just want you to know,
I did it for you.

Shannon Shell

'Lennox' Was His Name - Kathy Figueroa

In Belfast, they killed a dog
'Lennox' was his name
He wasn't a rabid, vicious beast
He was a family pet and quite tame
The reasoning for this evil act
Was rather devoid of rationale
They said he just looked like a killer breed
And couldn't possibly be a little girl's pal
Without a shred of decency
Only blackness in each heart
The Belfast City Council
Ripped a family apart
They confined the poor pet, Lennox
To a sawdust covered cell
He'd done nothing to warrant being cast
Into that man made H*ll
They kept him isolated for two years
Until his coat became ragged and bare
It was obvious from the pictures
That he wasn't receiving proper care
How he must've cried each night
To be taken back to the arms of his family
While good people protested around the world
To try to have poor Lennox set free
Many wanted to adopt him
And take him far away
They wanted to give him a loving home
Where he could run and play
But their voices fell upon nothing
Except cold and heartless ears
And on the morning of July 11, 2012
The dog killers of Belfast
Actualized everyone's worst fears

They say that the way a person treats a dog
Shows how that person will treat other men
So it's certain, in Belfast, cruelty will surface, again
The behaviour of those who killed Lennox
Was a complete and utter disgrace
May they be known, forevermore
As bad examples of the human race

Kathy Figueroa

Surviving - Aindre Reece-Sheerin

Can you see me, will you take time to hear me
What is it in you that causes you to act this way?
How do you really sleep at night knowing what you do too me and to so many others
Are you as big as you boast to be – Are your ‘friends’ as intimidated by you as I am
Are they your friends because the converse is simply too dreadful to consider

Is it then, your inadequacy and not mine really
Were I as seemingly strong as you, would I act and treat people the same
When you put Sh*t in my bag or Sports shoes and school
Does it really make you feel good about yourself and cause to grow in the eyes of your peers

Never once did I turn a word back at you
I just happened to be here at the same place and same time as you
Would that I had the choice, No I would not kill you and or wish you dead
Or laugh to watch you weep and squirm in front of all your friends

I would take you to me and show you the pain, the loneliness one can cause
Sometimes we need say nothing at all as it is not always what we say
Moreover, it is how we say what we say that knocks us down

Would that you could feel the angst, the sickly feelings I have in my stomach as the thoughts of waking in the morning knowing as I do each and every day
Tomorrow, is another day I have to face you, all choice removed
All hope of getting a resolution, being able to move forwards so i can focus on my exams
Afterall that is why ‘I’ came to school – Why are you here?

Should I in fact, feel sorry for you? Are you being bullied as I am but in your home and so with this ‘Learned’ Negative behaviour you appear to have no choice but vent your frustration on me and others like me, whom you see as inferior and weak
Are you actually looking at a mirror image and so inflict that which is visited upon you from somewhere else
Do you even have any real friends?
Do pals call at your house to see if you are coming out to play?
Do they call to see if you are okay when you are sick?
Would they stay at your side if they did not fear you in the first place?

My feelings for you now are actual pity – I do not despise you
It is you that has nowhere to go but visit the negative and thrive on fear and violence
It is you who needs to change for when the stakes are really down, I will have true friends who will rally round but you will be alone and so much sadder than I can ever be

I am a survivor in this phase you are a pariah
One day you may go too far
One day you may realise the error of your ways
From this day forward, I intend to grow strong
If you want help, then reach out and I will take your hand
I will heal you, I will help you; I will call on you and see you
For I forgive you, and in forgiving you I am healed

Aindre Reece-Sheerin

In The Corner - Liz Woodington

Little girl,
Sitting in a corner.
Rocking,
Crying,
Hugging her damaged self.
No-one comes
To her aid.

Little girl,
All alone.
Does anyone really care?
She lives,
Or so she says.
Outside she seems happy.
Inside she's dead.

Little girl,
Who's not so little.
Having to be
All grown up
Before the right time.
Play days are gone.
Suffering has come.

Little girl
You're an adult now.
Where did your childhood go?
Still sitting in a corner,
She cries,
And rocks.
Will her pain ever end?

Liz Woodington

Targeted - Lester Queripel

You call me a fool.
You make me a target for ridicule.
You criticise: you even tell lies.
You think I’m inferior to you.
You’re always mean to me.
You constantly demean me.
It’s all part of your quest to prove you’re the best.
I really wish you’d give it a rest.
Every time I have something to say, you turn away.
There’s no reason for the way you behave.
If you had your way I’d be in a grave.
Did somebody destroy your soul years ago?
Is that why you always have poisoned darts to throw?
I think it’s all a charade, a ‘tragic show’.
To cover up your pain so you don’t get hurt again.
I wish you’d change the way you behave.
It’ll be you that ends up in an early grave.
You’ll gradually implode, under the weight of the load.
You probably won’t heed my advice.
So I won’t give it twice.
But I can see it all.
The writing’s on the wall.
Lessons have to be learned.
The tables need to be turned.
We all have a right to a life.
Let me give you back your knife.
It’s been stuck in my back for much too long.

Lester Queripel

My Angel Appeared - Elle King

When I close my eyes,
I start to remember,
Those times I would bow down,
And begin to surrender.

The reason I hurt,
Is because you think I'm a 'hinderance',
Is it just me,
Or are you the one with no patience.

The tears I had cried,
were when I stopped beleving,
That someone would save me,
From the pain I was receiving.

I heard them downstairs,
The bottles were breaking,
Another arguement occured,
world war 2 they were remaking.

All i could do,
Was curl up on the floor,
And hope that i couldn't hear,
Any footsteps near my door.

But all hope was lost,
When my door was slammed open,
I was too scared to look up,
But I heard slurred words being spoken.

My stepfather, who was drunk,
Walked closer to my body,
I could smell the aclahol from his breath,
As his shadow lurked over me.

His giant paw clenched,
As pain filled my head,
Kicks and punches I receiced,
Till I was left for dead.

As I woke up,
A white ceiling I could see,
My vision was blurred,
'What had happened to me?'

I was in the hospital,
Being treated with care,
And right beside me,
Two policemean were there.

They told me a lady,
A random passerby,
Stopped and listened,
As she heard my cry.

She had phoned the police,
And got my parents arrested,
While I got addmited to hospital,
To get my body tested.

An angel, I believe,
Had appeared to save me,
She opened my cage door,
And set me free.

When I closed my eyes,
An angel I could see,
Thanks to my angel,
I can live peacefully.

Elle King