Unsought Intentions Poem by Jennifer Batch

A child cries in the dark of night.
Dreams are stolen, nightmares are made.
Nightmares that haunt the very soul,
Nightmares that will be forevermore.
Shadows creep stealing away an innocence.
Hush, be still,
Hush, be quiet.
Hush, it's only a nightmare.
Hush, drift off to sleep.
Bury it deep, bury it deep.
So deep within that the cries cannot be heard.
Though shed, the tears will not be seen.
So deep within that even the child must forget.

A young woman cries out 'No.'
Her voice silenced by fear and shame.
Her arms held down against her will.
Hush, be still,
Hush, be quiet.
Spirit floats at will above her body
Longing not to be tainted, oh painful brutality be stilled.
Let the water run pouring over her body,
Pouring over her soul.
Let the water run like a fountain of salvation.
She struggles for her life,
She struggles for her sanity.
Bury it deep within, Bury it deep within.
Her cries will not be heard,
Though shed, her tears will not be seen.