Growing up having to hide
your tears and fears
from the one person who should
help you, not hurt you more
doing things the way she wants
and then you do things
that you hope will make her
proud of you
or at least happy with you
but nothing works

Being asked if it would be alright
if the man that molested you
spent Christmas Eve night

Would it be ok if you
did not get anything
for Christmas but a
used camera, that belonged
to her

Then Christmas morning arrives
and there are presents everywhere
but not for me.            
                        By Connie Hopkins