One She Was In Care By Michelle Dee

So, she took her first gulp of air At the age of one she was in care Father in prison, mum nowhere "She's got something wrong with her heart" they told her. "That's why she doesn't love you, that's why she can't keep you." Now she's six sat in a room with a judge. "Why didn't he wear his wig?" She has to decide whether she wants to live with the bearded man and the woman in the apricot dress she said yes.

Seven now in her room Toys and clothes thrown everywhere Sat there in shock hugging her legs. Slowly she stands, goes to the mirror Lifts up the back of her top. There she can see a thin red weal slowly turning white. Heavy wet tears fall from her eyes She wipes them away quickly Lest they see her cry. Footsteps, footsteps on the landing Quick turn the light off, turn the light off. Too late the door's open. "I told you to go to sleep hours ago turn over move your hands get them out of the way Right from now on you won't Have a light, goodnight." She buries her head and tries Not to think of the pain. Laid there in the darkness What if the monsters came?

She's running away, "faster, faster." "What do you want in your sandwiches, shall I pack your suitcase?" So she doesn't go far only to the park. She swings higher and higher into the sky "Let go, let go," slowly she uncurls her fingers from the chains, "This time go on this time." For a second, just for a second she lets go Then she grips the chains Tighter than ever before.

It's getting dark; it's starting to rain She hasn't even got her coat. Slowly she walks back Her feet like lead her tummy feels sick. The house comes into view that house Her house her room her own room. If only she could get in without being seen She could go round the back Clamber on the pile of bricks and and "What do you want?" "I just wanna come home I just want to come home."

Copyright © Michelle Dee 2006

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