I flex my muscles all by myself
looking for swelling that used to be there.
To my dismay, they sag and droop.
The only thing that could help is prayer.
...
The child sat quietly in the corner.
The hurt he felt not visible to the eye.
The pain was real and deep.
All he could do was sit and cry.
...
The kids are grown and childhood is past.
They've all married and scattered at last.
Visits are infrequent and long overdue.
...