she writhes in pain
so undeservingly by self-center hearted parents
she's dragged into a locked room
and terrorized by abuse
she uselessly begs for forgiveness
then shrinks from dagger eyes which used to be
love and admiration, all shattered
too afraid for defense
as manipulative master whips upon her
she's weakened by deep red streaks
and stumbles out with less love to give

© copyright, 1997

poetry
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