Neglected Youth

Colorful spirits;
hearts of gold;
though at times,
they can be cold.

Full of wonder,
just like other kids;
exploring the world,
and what it can give,

but what has it given?
What have they received?
These poor victims
of neglecting families;

Why did you bring them here
if you weren't going to care?
How can you face the mirror
knowing they're aware?

Someone else has to raise them.
Someone else has to care
because you couldn't love them--
or wouldn't--
too much to bear?

Each smile means something you couldn't do.
Each tear represents the hurt you caused,
yet they remain so loyal to you,
and all you do is shrug them off!

I get frustrated and my patience is thin,
but when I watch them from afar,
I know I could never
give them so deep a scar.

My only hope is someday,
one of them will look back and say,
"I remember her; I remember those days;"
and just one small difference, I"ve thus made.

*dedicated to the residents at
McKinley Home For Boys,
San Dimas ,CA, 1991-1994*

March 11, 1994