Pain Poem by Sheena Blackhall

An open gate. I toddled into the lane
Followed a climbing cat
To a wall top studded with glass

I straddled the wall top
Slipped astride its teeth
A single point of glass
Poked sharply in

Screaming I ran home wild
With bloodied knickers.
A terrified toddler

There were dark looks and mutterings
As I howled on and on
Unstoppable as rain

Who did this to her?
Best not call the police
Put her to bed
And hope the damage heals

Alone, I sobbed and sobbed in agony
Swallowed the pills they gave
Till drugged to sleep

For days each pee
Brought tears and burning pain
Blood seeped from the hidden wound
No doctor dressed

I was the little girl
Who was raped by glass
They never left the gate unlocked again