Deep brown eyes

Do you notice the little girl with deep brown eyes,

And sun-kissed golden hair?

In those pictures on the counter;

Look closer if you dare.

Can you see the sadness in her face?

Or the fear whirling in her heart?

Do you know about the life she lives?

Or what happens at home in the dark?

Will she ever think she’s beautiful?

Will she ever believe she has worth?

Or will she always wonder why she was ever put on this terrifying earth?

Being a punching bag for adults,

Who hate the life they live.

Always being the little voice trembling as she gives, and gives, and gives.

The scapegoat kid, she later learned,

Is notorious for this exactly.

The kid that takes all the heat.

The one who is blamed for the world going badly.

The daughter who is caring and kind,

With a soul who loves and a heart that shines.

A spirit that comforts and a mind that is sharp.

Mothers of daughter like that,

Try to tear apart;

Every fabric of self confidence that precious girl has,

Til all that is left is a shell of a child,

Who learned that confidence is arrogance,

And loud is not mild.

“You are a problem”.“You are a liar”.

“Go let her be your mom then”.“You make us so tired”.

These statements live on,

Way past the day they were spoken.

She hears them everyday,

In quiet and in the wide open.

Now look again at that picture,

Of that precious little soul.

And make it a reminder;

That your words don’t grow old.

Your babies will remember how you made them feel.

Make sure that feeling is warm.

And not a rush of cold.