She's Only Three

She's Only Three

She's only three, how could she know
This is not the norm
Mommy and Daddy , her protectors
Her shelter from the storm
As the tear drops stain her cheeks
Confusion fills her eyes
In the background only screaming
She's only three, so yes, she cries

In her tender young mind she wonders
What is it she's done wrong
This sadness in Mommy and Daddy
Hasn't been there very long
As she chews away her fingers
Nails down to the quick
She sees Mommy and Daddy crying
The sight of this makes her sick

Her little world is crumbling
Her eyes have lost their glow
Words spoken out of anger
Words she should never know
As the sun sets on her world
Will her night be filled with screams
Maybe sleep will bring her solace
Or will demons fill her dreams

She's only three, how could she know
Life is seldom fair
Turning a blind eye to her needs
Doesn't anybody care
As the tear drops stain her cheeks
Confusion fills her eyes
In the background only screaming
She's only three, so yes, she cries.

Sue

— jetz, Oct 05, 2009

About This Poem

About the Author

Region, Country: South eastern Connecticut, USA

Critiques

themoonman

16 years 8 months ago

Sue...

my first reaction to this was of wonder, I was wondering why you had left out what was happening to mom and dad, details... but then it struck me... duh... the baby doesn't know either, she only hears the sadness and feels the tensions thickening... very effective! Richard

jetz

16 years 8 months ago

Hi Richard, Sorry for not

Hi Richard, Sorry for not responding sooner. I'm glad you understood exactly what I was trying to convey. Too often, we don't give the little ones the consideration they deserve. Moms and Dads too wrapped up in their own problems, thinking the kids don't get it!!! Thanks Richard, for your response and read. Sue

lyz

16 years 8 months ago

Dear Jetz

Just lovely, I felt like I wanted to kiss away all her tears and make it all better. She's only three. I enjoyed this heaps. Well done. Love from Lyz. XX

jetz

16 years 8 months ago

Hi Lyz, ‘Zactly!!!!

Hi Lyz, 'Zactly!!!! Isn't that what we all want to do. Just kiss away their tears!!! Thanks for the read, and for sharing your thoughts. Sue

jetz

16 years 8 months ago

Hi Kal, Thanks for taking

Hi Kal, Thanks for taking the time to read and respond. It is heart wrenching to see a child suffer no matter the reason. When that child is your own flesh and blood, and you are powerless to "fix" it.....well, you write poems hoping to deliver a message. Thanks. Sue

greeneyes

16 years 8 months ago

wow

Im speechless. Very powerful. Elizabeth

jetz

16 years 8 months ago

Hi Elizabeth, I didn’t

Hi Elizabeth, I didn't mean to leave you speechless. Hard to critique that way, huh? Sad poems about children do have that affect on us though, don't they? Thanks for reponding. Sue

Hooded Stranger

16 years 8 months ago

Intro & Outro

Jetz, first off, great piece - is this based on fact? I really love the introduction verse and then outroduction (not sure that it is a word but I like it!), they kind of wrap the story in the middle into a snug and tight piece of writing. I know I do go on, but the intro & outro would be good as choruses too!...but I'm the song writer and you are trying to steal my thunder! LOL! regards, HS ------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------- "With all that I am and all that I could be, I walk this earth and yet nobody sees me".

jetz

16 years 8 months ago

Hi Dan, Unfortunately,

Hi Dan, Unfortunately, yes, it was written for Hannah. It was my way of trying to get Mom and Dad to understand what harm they were causing that sweet child. So wrapped up within their own troubles, unable to see her pain. "Outroduction" huh? You Brits are a clever lot, I have to give you that!! Maybe you can write a spong about it !!! I would never try to steal your thunder, my friend. I'm more the "pee on your foot and tell you it's raining" type... Thanks for your response, Dan. as always, Sue