The Child

Holding on to others' strength,
You rise to meet the day.
You toss and turn then finally wake
To make your feeble way.
You try to smile, but it is true,
The love once showed to you is gone.
Angels cheer your lonely heart,
But now you only weep alone.
You put upon your weary face
The mask for others view.
Grasping to that sweetened lie,
That lie that comforts you.
Truth is not your friend, it seems,
As you struggle on.
A crying child in the street
Without your dad or mom.
"Mommy, please, where are you?"
But only the emptiness calls,
And deep within your little heart,
The despairing darkness falls.
Sweet and gentle, tender one,
You are that child still.
You are that beaten battered prince,
And perhaps you always will.