Good Girl

Sitting in the darkness
By herself
All alone,
Hoping that
He'd stay away,
But knowing
That he won't.

He then walks
Into her bedroom,
With that strange
Glint in his eye.
He walks
Ever so slowly,
All the time
She's asking
"Why?"

Still he keeps on
Walking,
With that strange
Look upon his
Face.
That's when she
Starts pretending
That she's any
Other place.

Soon after he's
Finished,
Soon after he's
Through,
He gets up,
Looks at her,
Then quietly
Leaves the room.

The next morning
When she awakens,
Everything
Is just the same.
The dog is barking,
The sun is shining,
And her mom is
Yelling her
Brother's name.

She sits down
At the table,
And eats her
Breakfast slow.
Her father looks
at her and says,
"You're a good girl, you know."

This poem could be anybody's story. It is lived everyday in countless homes around the world. I often write from an empathetic viewpoint. I share this now in hopes that it may somehow give a voice to the voiceless. Maybe it will empower just one to break their silence, although when their silence is broken they often bear the brunt of the secrets revealed. Homes become broken, children become displaced and lives are forever changed. Sometimes that is good and what is necessary. Sometimes it is not.

How can we, as adults, as teachers, as mentors or as any responsible person dare to take up the cause of one we suspect is caught in such a life? It is quite often a double edged sword, guaranteed to cut you just a little. On the one hand we bear the burden of having a responsibility to protect, even to err on the side of caution for the sake of the child. That burden can be heartbreaking. On the other hand, if we remain silent and do nothing, what then?

If we suspect someone is in trouble and do nothing are we not condemned by our inaction? We can certainly expect to be condemned by our actions. You can expect to be misunderstood. So, what do you do? Do you turn a blind eye? Do you secretly pray that someone else will see, know or suspect and do what you are unable to do?

If you suspect someone is being victimized, then please consider the best course of action for the sake of the child. Gather resources, partner with someone for advice and follow protocol if you are in a position that has guidelines already set in place. Don't turn a blind eye. Yes, that double edged sword may cut you, but the bleeding will stop after a while. Your pride or loss of popularity will recover but that child may not.

If you are a victim of sexual abuse, please tell someone. Find a trusted adult, family member, teacher or  pastor and get help. You can also call the National Sexual Assault Hotline. It is completely confidential unless you choose to reveal any personal information. That number is 1-800-656-HOPE (4673).

Dare to be different. Do what is right.