The effects of childhood neglect…
Years ago I taught kindergarten. One memorable class had five children from a group home. At age five, their established patterns of interaction and behavior were so out of sync with the norm, they were considered un-adoptable. Tragedy.

Early childhood neglect and abuse
Created, fed, habits and patterns
Nightly assaults fueled by booze
Taught her to fear all that matters

When, at last, a redeemer appeared
Brought her into the light and to safety
Expecting all angst to be cleared
When not so, considered her crazy

Demanded she stop seeking refuge
Beneath sinks, in closets, up high
Assumed all she said, subterfuge
Became next foe instead of ally

How’s a girl supposed to win?

I chose this sing-songy form because child protective services and public education systems are often lock-step-follow-the-rules-fit-in-this-space institutions. These parameters rarely lead to the success of those with special or severe needs.

*Written for Verse First at Poets United ~ Patterns