A Child’s Love

I snapped a picture in my mind

Of a face I could not understand.

Please, someone help me find

A reason for what is at hand.

A stampede of hands all about me

I look for a way to escape.

But there’s no way I can break free

From this hold at my nape.

Not allowed to express what I feel inside

Silence becomes my best friend.

It mattered not how much I cried

This force simply would not bend.

The welts on my body didn’t compare

To the pain within my heart.

Tonight as I kneel down in prayer

I ask God to give you a new start.

I know this life isn’t easy for you

Raising four kids on your own

It isn’t what you planned to do

And so the anger has grown.

Give my momma a happy face

Wipe away all the tears

Wrap her in a loving embrace

And take away her fears.

One more thing if it’s okay

I’d like to ask this too

Tomorrow help me find a way

To tell momma, I love you.

A. L. Spradling

08/11/06