It was a crisp, bright sunny day; <br />The neighborhood was alive <br />With children’s laughter. <br />Signs of springtime were everywhere; <br />Seemed the whole world was happy <br />About just being alive. <br />Then I caught sight of her; <br />Watched her turn in and <br />Walk up the sidewalk to ask <br />Is this the women’s shelter? <br />'I have nowhere else to go', she explained. <br />'I’m only sixteen but <br />I can’t go back; <br />I can’t make him stop and <br />It’s only a matter of time <br />You see, <br />Until he ‘likes’ my little sister <br />Just as he always has me. <br />They all hate me now anyway; <br />Said I should have more respect <br />For my father <br />Instead of bringing such shame <br />Upon the family.'<br /><br />Carolyn Brunelle<br /><br />http://www.poemhunter.com/poem/only-a-matter-of-time-2/
