In silence did her mind despair <br />In solitude did weep. <br />Till time did every wound repair <br />and rest her soul in sleep. <br />So none bore witness to her tears, <br />nor heard the tortured moans, <br />or noticed that she disappeared <br />or saw beyond her frowns. <br />and she their ignorance preferred. <br />and they, her alibis. <br />nor could she bare a single word <br />of pity or advice. <br /> <br />In loathing she, herself did blame. <br />In terror, held her peace. <br />Taboo required she hide the shame, <br />the dreadful secret keep. <br />For who would dare to say such things? <br />and whom would be believed? <br />A child's confused imaginings, <br />or a father's frantic pleas? <br />So none heard mention of the crime, <br />which did her soul consume. <br />Or how his threats had silenced her. <br />and she, herself, accused. <br /> <br />For years did she the rape endure <br />with none to grant reprieve. <br />his unknown felony insured <br />by dark fidelity. <br />So none could fathom her despair, <br />nor why she ran away <br />and forfeited her mother's care, <br />her home and family. <br />Tho time and distance sutured every <br />gaping wound at last. <br />She died within a future <br />that could not escape her past. <br /> <br />And thus <br />in silence did her mind despair <br />unto her final day, <br />When death received her to his care <br />and washed away the stain.<br /><br />Bridgid Patrick<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/little-miss-understood/
