Tenderness Poem by Janice M Pickett

A child is so fragile
not something that can take
everything you dish out
I hear you say.
'Oh kids are tougher than you think'
But I can tell you that is not true
For It burns deep with each
cruel word you utter
Don't call me names
stop accusing me in that way
I may not be perfect
but were you when you
were my age?
Surviving in this world today
is not just about living
it's full of hate and bitterness
that shatters my dreams
it turns me into something
I don't want to be.
But I fight on for my survival
unguided by a gentle hand
With no helpful words from an encouraging mouth
and no idea which way to turn.
Don't place the blame on me
when it is you who should
have known better. For from you
I learned what I know.
So from you I know nothing.
Understand this now and help me.
Give me all I have asked for
all my short life.
Give me love, understanding
and most of all
HOPE.